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A  Masonic  Manual 

COMPRISING 

Decisions  of  the  M.-.W. .  Grand  Lodge 

F.  &  A.  M. 

Of  the  State  of  California 

FROM  ITS  FORMATION  TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME 

INCLUDING  ALSO: 

The  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge;    the  General  Reg- 
ulations;  the  Uniform  Code  of  By-Laws  of  Lodges;  the 
Installation  Ceremony  for  Lodges;   the  Form  for 
Conducting  Trials;  the  Ceremony  for  Laying 
Corner-Stones;  the  Ceremony  of  Dedicat- 
ing Halls:  the  Monitorial  Work;  and 
Decisions   of   Grand    Lodge 


COMPILED    FOR    THE    USE    OF    THE 

OFFICERS  AND  MEMBERS  OF  LODGES 


JAMES  WRIGHT  ANDERSON 

Past   Master  of  Pacific  Lodge,  No.  136;    Past  Inspector  of 

the  Twenty-Sixth  Masonic  District,  and  Past  Grand 

Lecturer  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  California 


Sixth  Edition 

SAN  FRANCISCO 
1908 


Copyright,  1908 

BY 

James  Wright  Anderson 


DEDICATED 
TO    THE    MEMORY 

OF 

MY  DEAR  FRIEND  AND  BROTHER, 

THE  # 

V.*.  W.\  ALEXANDER  GURDON  ABELL, 

For  35  Years  Continuously  Elected 

GRAND  SECRETARY  OF  THE  GRAND  LODGE 

OF   THE 

STATE    OF    CALIFORNIA. 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  FIRST  EDITION. 


During  a  period  of  several  years  as  Inspector  of  a 
Masonic  District  in  California,  my  observation  and 
experience  has  led  me  to  the  conclusion  that  n<$  one 
thing  is  more  needed  in  this  Jurisdiction  than  a 
concise  yet  comprehensive  compilation  of  the  various 
decisions  that  have  been,  from  time  to  time,  made 
by  our  Grand  Masters  and  Grand  Lodge.  A  few 
years  ago  I  had  the  distinguished  honor  of  being 
appointed  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Corre- 
spondence in  this  Jurisdiction.  I  very  soon  learned 
that  whatever  I  knew  about  the  Ritual  of  the  Fra- 
ternity, I  was  almost  entirely  unversed  in  the  Juris- 
prudence thereof,  and  was,  in  consequence,  com- 
pelled to  direct  my  earnest  study  to  this  important 
particular.  I  made  comments  for  my  own  benefit. 
These  I  have  compiled  in  more  regular  form,  and, 
brief  and  imperfect  as  the  result  of  my  efforts  may 
be,  I  now  send  them  out  as  a  well-meant,  if  not  a 
valuable  offering  in  aid  of  those  who  desire  to 
acquaint  themselves  more  thoroughly  with  the  prin- 
ciples and  teachings  of  our  noble  Institution  in  this 
State. 

It  must  be  apparent  to  every  one  who  will  take 
the  trouble  to  examine  the  Proceedings  of  our  Grand 
Lodge,  that  the  greater  part  of  the  labors  of  the 
Grand  Master  and  of  the  Grand  Lodge  are  incident 
to  the  imperfect  knowledge  of  the  principles  of 
Masonic  Jurisprudence,  and  of  our   excellent   Con- 


6  PREFACE 

stitution,  which  characterizes  so  many  of  the  officers 
and  members  of  our  Lodges.  If  my  efforts  may  be 
successful  in  even  partially  remedying  this  evil,  I 
feel  that  I  shall  not  have  labored  in  vain. 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  express  my  appre- 
ciation of  the  generous  aid  rendered  by  one  who  has, 
by  long  years  of  faithful  service,  not  only  made  him- 
self a  walking  encyclopedia  of  Masonic  knowledge, 
but  has  also  contributed  more  to  make  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  California  what  it  now  is,  than  any  other 
influence.  You  all  know  our  venerable  Grand  Secre- 
tary, Bro.  Abell,  and  to  him  I  give  the  credit  of 
being  the  author,  or  inspirer,  of  the  greater  part  of 
whatever  is  excellent  in  this  compilation. 

I  have  endeavored  to  exclude  every  decision  that 
has  not  received  the  endorsement  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 
It  is  true  that  very  many  of  these  decisions  have 
been  embodied  in  our  Constitution;  but  I  thought 
proper  to  include  them  in  this  work,  inasmuch  as 
they  greatly  tend  to  a  proper  understanding  of  its 
principles,  and  show  the  manner  in  which  it  has  been 
brought  up  to  its  present  state  of  perfection.  To 
make  the  decisions  of  more  practical  avail,  I  have 
prepared  a  very  elaborate  index.  To  this  I  respect- 
fully direct  the  attention  of  the  brethren;  for,  by 
proper  study  thereof,  the  book  will  be  made  a  valu- 
able auxiliary.  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  include 
all  those  things  which  are  most  needed  in  our 
Lodges,  in  the  hope  that  this  book  may  be  the  means 
of  causing  many  to  acquire  a  knowledge  that  other- 
wise they  might  not  obtain. 

In  the  spirit  of  brotherly  love  I  send  it  forth, 
asking  my  brethren  to  receive  it  in  the  same  spirit. 

J.  W.  A. 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  REVISED  EDITION". 


Grateful  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  my  brethren 
of  the  Jurisdiction,  for  their  cordial  approval  of  my 
efforts  in  preparing  the  first  edition  of  the  Manual, 
I  have  thoroughly  revised  the  entire  work,  making  it 
as  complete  as  possible  up  to  and  including  the  Com- 
munication of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  1907. 

The  Grand  Lodge,  at  the  Annual  Communication 
of  1906,  referred  the  Manual  to  its  compiler  for 
careful  revision.  The  work  of  revision  was  at  once 
begun;  but,  owing  to  the  fact  that,  by  some  over- 
sight, no  appropriation  was  made  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  for  the  printing  thereof,  the  emission  of  the 
work  was  necessarily  deferred.  At  the  Communica- 
tion of  1907,  the  revision  was  again  referred  to  the 
author,  with  instruction  to  complete  it  up  to,  and 
including  the  session  of  the  latter  year. 

Not  in  vainglory,  but  in  the  spirit  of  deepest 
gratitude,  the  compiler  of  the  volume  desires  to 
express  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  the  Fraternity 
throughout  the  Jurisdiction,  his  great  appreciation 
of  the  estimation  in  which  his  feeble  efforts  in 
behalf  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  of  Freemasonry  in 
genera],  and  of  this  Jurisdiction  in  particular,  have 
been  regarded  by  his  brethren,  both  in  and  out  of 
the  Grand  Lodge.  It  is  proud  satisfaction  to  him 
to  know  that  the  work  is  now  the  adopted  Manual 
of  the  Grand  Lodge.  He  has  devoted  to  the  work 
of   revision   the   utmost   care,   and    sincerely   trusts 


8  PREFACE 

that  in  its  revised  form  it  may  merit  and  receive  the 
continued  approbation  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  of 
his  brethren  in  California.  It  is  his  desire  that  the 
Manual  may  prove  to  be  even  more  helpful  that 
heretofore. 

JAMES  WEIGHT  ANDEESON. 
March,  1908. 


ENDORSEMENT  BY  THE  GRAND 
LODGE 


The  following  is  copied  from  the  Proceedings  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  at  the  Communication  held  in 
1889:— 

"Bro.  Edmund  Clement  Atkinson,  from  the  com- 
mittee of  Past  Grand  Masters  to  which  had  been 
referred  to  the  compilation  known  as  Anderson's 
Masonic  Manual,  presented  the  following  report: 

To  the  M  .*.W.\  Grand  Lodge  of  California: — 

"Your  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  at  our 
last  Annual  Communication  the  Masonic  Manual  com- 
piled and  published  by  Bro.  James  Wright  Ander- 
son, report  that  they  have  carefully  examined  the 
work  presented,  and  find  it  to  be  a  most  valuable 
book  of  reference.  It  is  a  complete  compilation  of 
the  Masonic  law  of  our  Jurisdiction,  containing  all 
the  decisions  of  our  Grand  Lodge;  the  Constitution 
and  General  Regulations  thereof;  the  Uniform  Code 
of  By-Laws  for  Lodges;  the  Services  for  Installation 
and  Laying  of  Corner  Stones;  the  Masonic  Funeral 
Service  of  the  Jurisdiction;  a  Monitor,  containing 
the  ritualistic  work  adopted  for  the  Jurisdiction; 
and  Forms  for  Opening  and  Keeping  Eecord-Books 
of  Lodges,  and  Eecords  of  Trials,  etc. 

"This  work  evinces  thorough  and  patient  research, 
and  careful  and  painstaking  preparation.  It  is  pre- 
sented in  a  neat  and  tasteful  form,  and  so  arranged, 
subdivided,  and  indexed,  as  to  give  the  Masonic 
student  the  desired  information  in  a  clear,  concise, 
and  practical  manner.     Your  committee,  therefore, 


10  ENDORSEMENT 

recommend  it  to  this  Grand  Lodge  and  the  brethren 
of  the  Jurisdiction  as  the  best  authority  on  the  sub- 
jects  therein   contained. 

"All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by 
William  Caldwell  Belcher, 
Nathaniel  Greene  Curtis, 
Edmund  Clement  Atkinson, 

Committee. 
' '  Which  report  was  concurred  in  and  the  recom- 
mendation accompanying  it  was  adopted. ' ' 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Preface  to  First  Edition 5 

Preface  to  Revised  Edition 7 

Constitution  of  Grand  Lodge 33 

General  Regulations 106 

Uniform  Code  of  By-Laws .  125 

Installation  Grand   Lodge '. 133 

Installation  of  Subordinate  Lodge  Officers 158 

Formation  of  New  Lodge 175 

Form  for  Record  of  Trials ; 221 

Form  for  Laying  Corner-Stones 247 

Form  for  Constituting  New  Lodges 258 

Ceremony  for  the  Dedication  of  Masonic  Halls......  268 

Monitorial  Work 279 

Decisions  of  the  Grand  Lodge 312 

Regulations  of  Masonic  Home 555 

Index  to  Constitution 12 

Index  to  Decision  of  Grand  Lodge 559 


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INDEX   TO   CONSTITUTION 


5  r-l  r-l  rH  r-l  t-     IHNriNWN     '.  r-{  tH  O  N  O  OJ  rl  cN  CO  T*  rjt  -*  00  00  iH  CO  CO  CO  H 


oo  U 
d.£ 


ce  ft  bo     _ 

2    ftrQ"~'    ftL    BIO 

si?  .«©S.2  2 

O  £  ' 


O  <d 

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a, 

02    g 


laSaa^sis 


©  o 

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d   [•g 

d?§ 
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H3""*  © 

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O   03 
ft  O 

p,  cS  © 

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©  9  ' 


«w  s  ^  g 


r„osS^°tsS-o 


53 


d^   O 

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;fiso 


.2  « 


^  d  ft  o  © 


'.-s  a«pa. 


M    ©    ©    ©    ©    W  ^ 

r3  bb  bfi  be  be  <v,  ^ 

H    ?H     *H     U     JhJS     c3 

5   c3  c3  c3  e3^  fH 

OS 

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t*o 


2£ 


M« 


Cj 


2.&3.S3S8S 
©g  a*?  S2ra  «s 

|S'3©OOMa* 

Ph  h  6  S  -d  -a  a  -3  OQ 
d  d  d  d 

c3  ci  ci  cs 


d  co  o  *  -{f  i   d 

s     ©2^ 

es  g"  *  02  cq  in  H  "3 
d  d  d  d 

c3  CCE  Co  c$ 

*r-l     J-l     SH     P-l 


?s 


©    ©   U 
Jh    fc*   © 

c3       H 

ccE-"S 


INDEX   TO   CONSTITUTION 


21 


W  t>  CO  N  p»  p»  p»  p»  p»  p»  p»  lO  p»  (M  <N       C3  CO  CN  t-  CO  tM  ft  H     IHHrtHNNNN 


Nr-4eoiftC!30Ci3d5C5^3Ci5iHOc<ieo     Mt-t>rHco^Ct5Ncoc6cccoeocococoeo 


T3   £ 


c  p.S 

ft      o 

S©p 

•  s  I 
.tax 

<D   O  d 

£il 

©a 


£~  © 

O   P_ 

,£!©"£ 
P*~    W 

p  f-o 


h3 

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ag 

-Ago 


03  o«c; 


S3 


©"£«-(  CJ    I    t 
U^q   03-O   g    I     c 

*     .2  5  p  E  J-1  -"  !r 


§  ft 

p  «,.  « 


1  '^-d 

©«M   In  t>    o    t 

l.fld£Ss< 


S.S      *~3p 

©  s  2     « 
'fl  ©.£13  2  <h  t! 


3.3 


p  S  © 
ft  »7 

O    a;    fH 
«M    <D    O 

©        >Xj 

T    :*?§.5  8 

i«H«w  O-d  o5  5       5  c8  o3  P 
J  O  OO  OJ  03  fl  P   3        bo  O 

^^§12!  ^  0-°.2jS  »  C  2  a> 
0^^©    I    ©  -,  S3  5'S^^'^  * 

££  »g£^Som£^oPn 

C©         *d 

53  ©  o 

£^  Hi 


d)  be  e3 
©  P 

©  § 

©  s 

w   ©^ 

c*»  J? 

fl  °p 

-^  a  -^ 

P  P  2 


22 


INDEX   TO    CONSTITUTION 


m  (M  CO  CO  tJ)  rj«  rjt  lO  lO   tOt-   00  05  O  rH  iH  tH  iH  iH  (M  <N  rH  iH  rH  (N 
0Q  iH  iH  iH  tH  tH  tH  rH  rH 


fH<M<M(M<M<M<M<M(M       W  <N       <N(M<NN(N<N<M<N<M<NCOCOC0CO       CO       CO 


^cocococococococo 


COCO        COCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCO        CO        CO        CO 


•6 


=  «* 


gs 


3wo>+s  P5  ©  £      -m 

j         e8  o  O^SJ   '     v  O  «8  5 

5  «  h     ft^-r;  •  2  °-£^  g 


3  fl  P  S  +=  ft 


ce'a>'£ew«S^*E29 


<D   S   <D 

^5  fl  c3 

•*=       o 

02    cd 

al* 

W   e3  © 


'g&.Sg'0"* 

®£«2  a  o  o  0-5 

©^^     W    ftr-H^rg 
3     ©     ©     ©     ©  •  JH 

r-i  t?  "C  o  ft  ®  ®  w 

©  ©  ©  W«w  e8  o3  g 

J  ft  ft  £;    a  zi  ° 

H  el  sal 


TD    CD 


O  c3 

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~    &I)£h 
O   _  ■ T3  o   O   ^  _ 

(UTL        _  ft5*-1   - 


I  ^  g  a  i 


^^C     ©rg 


"SSSiB 


rH    2    ^  **  frjr-J 


P.-**  £  > 


bo 


H 1  ill 

grSS, &ft 

®  cc  c3  c3  ft 
ft  cj  *t!  >  >  <D  e3 
»  o  °  o  o  >  ^ 

g ft©  a  a© § 

ffl    *    CS    rl     r*    ©-P 

a'5  °  s  a  c^  © 
cd  a  .2 .2  *  o^ 

CSls    ^  OQ    03    rj  15 

-^^-S^     ®^rC 


i^a 


:  ©  cp 


1  ©  ►^'S 

»5  as 


tt  p^ 


INDEX   TO    CONSTITUTION 


23 


lOCOb-CO   O   CiO)       OH(M   CO  ^  W5  CO  CO  t>  00  Oi  O  »H  <M  CO  r*  lO  H  <N  CO  t* 


COCOCOCO   CO   COCO   CO  CO  CO   CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  ^  t*  t*  t#  t}(  H  iH  H  r-i 


CO  CO  CO  CO   CO   COCO   COCOCO   CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  ri<  t!<  ■<*  ■»# 


■d   .*•  a 

-•^rv,  to  o 

«5    & 

ft  K  »  2 

fc  oo 

,2^     2 

CD   CD   Jh 
d  CD  CD  t-< 

o  ^^£ 

2^.2,  8 


CD    OS 

a,. 


g-'S 


^^»  a 

CD   fl  -3 
H    00  — 

^  cDri 

ft^   c3 

a  ^ 

§  ftg 

«h^3  o 


£^  ^g  a~ 

^        fl  gJS  ft 
^  d  o  3:  «  a 


5?    CD^    >    > 

^  ft°  g/S'S 


CD 

O  ^  oo 

^  -g  a  a 

ft   58    *H 

5§;aS 

_    CD   o 


S  aq 


stflfl 

2        d'cj  d'eS 
£         e3,d  c3,d 


©o"cDo2-obb 

a^  s  *^s_ 

cS         c3  o3        c3  eS  05 
CO       CCCQ       CQOQCC 


»    CD    O^ 

a  a  o  2  c^m^ 

—  o.xj.2  a. 

—  'iS-^cSCD-Hr;0 
^HCD"5'c3cecS_a|c3 

alssfl£ft* 

§  |.-§.§2  u 

*  U'C-~  cdSS?'S^'0®<d'3oo-2 

^S^aaa  g.2  ««55«  a.^2 

w  ..  -  -  a  &c  bo *  ^  a  a  •- 


05    fc*    CD    CD 


°-~.2S£ 
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°    CD^-JI    CD 

!««  o  2     -° 
'  o  a3^  cd 


2r^^3     I 


h    fH    >H  " 


."S2  25S 


EoOOO         OOro 


3  °  a  o 


CD    ©    CD    ->  "S 
0)   g   CD   2   ^ 


24 


INDEX   TO   CONSTITUTION 


:Hioco^o«co^wt-o> 


*h  w  h  h  rM  p3  p»  p^  p^  p^  £  p5  p^  p$  p^  g$  p^  p^  iH  CO  CO  in  lO  CO  CO  t-  t-  00  00  o> 


i  9  o 


|  ©  Pf 


I    O   03    © 


H  5 


to  o 


S^  Sfl'eB 


fill 


..       B  eS 

ftft©£ 

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o  a*  a  » 
^^    ^ 

©  ©  ©  JS 


-  e8  ft'-1 

„gSo 

»   03  £rrj 

O   J)   M 

60  ©  £ 

©s  ^ 

a   «8  m 
ft  °  m 

°  a  3 


pqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqftpQpqpq 


o  flS 

<H(80 


«  *  pi 

.2  ©  03 


_  ft  S    : 

,    ©   ©   ©   00    © 

o  S  «  ft  w> 

Jh  ©.!h  e8  © 

g    PJ«M    Pi    ft 

a©    ©    ©. 

Ld  ©       o 

,'©      §o«fl 

:-gj§§§S 

S  W-M  ^  +*  w 

©  ®  cub  ft  pi 

ftfi|&.§6 
s  S?«  § s 

,  p|  p,^  o^ 
,  o        o' 

!SS  d-g  Pi 

ee  o3  PI  2  Pi 
J2J2   oS.R  I 


2°£ 


*  tf  d 


wW 


2    M 

*^   GO 

a,  ©  © 

is*  . 

eg  n-(   03   _.        «rt 


.  ft 
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,  «tH    ft  05    W)r^ 

eS«M©        ©«2  <d  bCri 
°.^^oPIS.S^^ 


St 

O  © 

©  d 


<a 


§Sft 


03   C8   O 
Ird^    03,5    03 


>>«d  <»     g  a  5     ^  ft 

05       Pi        t»S  ?««(! 


'02  02^ 


Pm 


03  PJ^J    >»5   ft  M 


Pi  ©      'g 

©•J5  ©  °  © 

m-^J    ©   ©    ©__ 
A  03^3  °^^-S  S 

U  ©  00   00   © 

O  — '  ©   ©   Pi 

o  >>  ©  ©  © 

02  B  ^HfeQ 


INDEX  TO  CONSTITUTION 


25 


OOOHNWWHHHHHHHNNNNNWNpj^^NWNNrlHHHH 


pQpQpqpQPQPQ 


^•d 


0  eg 

.aa 

oog 


O  e8 


:  o  M 

«4H  0)    bfi«*H 

°    ©    ®    fl    ° 

sfill 

•3  §  S  ©« 

a  a  ©  *  s 
a  °  ° ,  p 

O  ©«*H 

ii 
>>P%£° 
£:3  £^«  * 

J-C'J  ©  efl  © 
eS'P  ftdTS 
&  S3  ©  ©  w, 


>>  *  pi  ©  d 

W^  «  ©  a, 

J  © 

O  O  >.  03 


w  a 
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2  ► 

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-5  ® 

dE3  oq 
©  es  * 

jjj«fH    © 

£  d  d 

*43   ©   03 

a  ^  b 


'd  S        *r: 

<=io«m  d  g  d 

so  oa 

co  co 

33 


o  p«P< 


—  2  © 

o-d  d 


d  2 
o  °  2 

©#o  o 


,      od 

O  &C  to 
M         ©   © 

.2*"* 
.2  ©  g'© 

©  d      00 


*  d-e  ( 


bfl 

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h3  bo 


03  O  ©' 


2  ci 

00  ©  S  5  ^-2  ^  2*  ;  a) 

•S     Sl_,vi.S©o2-^' 


W 


©   0*05    >>0         , 


.  ©£'0\ 

a  o 

0  >  ©  Si 

I'O'W't-i'Hi        p2flOr 
'  O  O  03  "S         l- 

-d'd'dw.g'ee-SS 


|1.s|o3^| 


SlsW-ssgig*,, 
«  a 

co  © 


©~j.. 
cCt5 .«« 


*  C3  g 

a    fc 

n  P 


26 


INDEX   TO   CONSTITUTION 


0HMCOOOHWCO^lO«O(NNH<N      I      \      \  <M        t+I  H  tH     •     !      I  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO  CO 
GO       c<,^  :     :     !  :     :     :  ,H 

JnC<IC<lCqp5HTHHiHTHr-ICq<NOOC<lC3C<ICQC3        tXMN<M(M<MCOCOCOCOCCiCCCO 


o    ■ 

J    CO    JH 

d  ° 

CD  o 

a  33 -a 

©  e3   CD 
w  ot3 

o  P<  * 
ftS 

CD   oS.S 

*gfc 


go^g, 


,  6* 
CD  ^ 
hJOO 

O 

*S  d1^ 

o  g  O 
rrt   CD—.    CD 

-«  ®  s  a  d 

o  ^  c2  o 

•-J   CD  S 

ft*  ft  a 


.  O        ®  *  O  fc>*J^     ' 

3^     U    2    d    fe^rrfrO^ 


d    £'3'd'i 


<*£j  ^flm  £  £  d  £ 

a  a 


n  «45 

CD  ft 

r-    M)CD 

d-d  d  CD 
o  o  o  W> 

fe.   CD   ©^ 
S   "^   ° 


|5 


^1- 


SS.^rrt'd 


l    « 

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'o  o  a  i 

354H  CD-r;  d 
M^  fto3 

ftd 


o®  "S  _, 

«h    e3  d 


*  d^  S     ph 


c3  bO  h 

£.Sffl 


Ml 


£s£ 


s 


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oo> 


S3 


d  33 
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ft     ft 


co  o  d 

M    <*>    CD'S 

C3     >^.rH 

^     CDS     ^ 

M      I     4» 

^      lo 

g  £gs 

>  o.S 


•  2  2  «  s 

+a  «t_i  -*a    »  0 

1    03    CD  «-<    C3  -2 

d    fH  O           CC 

»S  ftCD.W 

;  d   CD  CD   WS 

!«  3d  ** 
s  a  a    c3 

I  .ft  w      >„e 

^2+5  CO  eg 

'      2^      « 

1  b  a  d  ®  s 

Ir^     CD     d     bfi 

2  a^5  ^ 

.2  *  §^-"g 

CD    ro    CD    CD 

cd  err  O 


o 


INDEX   TO    CONSTITUTION 


27 


(OHMHHHHHHNNWCOHilNH     !     .'  CO      :iH00<MCOT-l(M00rJ<HiHiH 

»h  :   :        :  h 

CO<N<NlOiniOlO»OlOvniOlOiOiHH<M(X)CO<M  rf  CM  £»  p^  WW  COMCOCOHNW 
MHHHHHHHHHHHHN^^T|lt-t-  H  t>  C+5  $  CO  l«  iH  iH  r-l  H  CM  CO  t* 


w  bo 


©  ©  £  « 

SaSt 

o  o~ 
^      ° 


O  C8 

©      -+a       o  5 
««**  *  d  ^  ! 


^0 


©,2 


O-d 


©£ 


OOXfteS 

.>V»  a»  ft    . 

.2  o  -*-=  eS'o 

o  ©-g  p| 

©  ©  PI  jg 


,    ^^rQ    S3 


-~   ©   P£ 

5  ^  © 


3  ft  I 
ftft^ 
ft  o3    . 


etc 


n  M  ©O  p< 

t,  m  a  ©  ©•s.s 

5  ©      p 

2r2  ©  o3  ©  <d  a?  1 

to  -^  r2  m  w 
o 


O.S  bO<«  + 


©3  Pi.S    05    05    S 


bo  Mrd  csi8 

~  i— i    Q,  M    '  "  ■  w  03    03    £Sj 

*l92  *33ss  III 

a^^ie  s^^  's-  °  g  | 


a -a 

F*    © 

©" +a 


rtf     £ 


rt     *    5  ' 

©  bp 
I    o  o 


O  "2    ft  o3 
bO 


©  >  © 


©T3 
bO  *h 
T3  © 
©O 

©       CQ 


©  ^    I 


S*3 

©    w 

OP-t 


-        'D  Vi   CP 

Sis  §-§3 

bO  ©'d 

„     03     X     g  «!-,.««« 


ha 

c3   © 


O 


28 


INDEX  TO  CONSTITUTION 


olOkO  t  H  N  CNI  CO  -*  W3  <0  fc-  CO  0>  O  r-l  <N  CO  >«#  »fi  <0  t- CO  OJ  ©  CO  iH  iH  IO  "^  CO  CJ> 

5Q       {  H  iH  tH  rH  rH  H  rH  rH  iH  rH  CM   rH        rH  rH 

"Cpj»p3COCOCOCOCOeOCOCOCOCO  COC0COCOC0COCOCOCOC0COCONf^«O'^pC<COCO 

<4 


£<2jOcocococococococococo      COCOCOCOCOOOCOCOCOCOCOCOHCiJiHHOcOCO 

ft 


O  Old 


s^ 


ill 


a 


►  *  fl  ®  PI 

,.  -J  08  ^j  c3»(8 

g-SS*||SS 

.  ft  e8  "H  ^   P  T3 
eSrQ'd  oS  P.  o3 


■a  2. 


•Jo® 

03    »•!- 


*a  § 


Ooooooooooo   o 


'43  w  5  5 

J}  s  9  o 

o  o  o 


p<  c  a  ss 

03,0  o  > 

o  o  o  o 


J  if* 

*  ©  O  <D 

*  S  S  g  &•§ 

rP     M 

2  ^i^  §.- 

]2  '-5  fl   g  u ' 


»9 

o 

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s  $ 

V  ft 

o  P 


,a'a2 


0  fe  o  '■£  '■♦*  '-3  '**  '^  "-3  '■£  *»  •£  •+■*  ' 


0>pi 


c3   c3   c3   c3   c3   c3   o3 
G)   03   0)   ©   O   O  <D 


Pi      P4 


i  o  o  u      ft^2M     •+*  >■ 

3   £   iZ    £  Irl  -rH  |      P    O  _ 

>  V  v  o       Oogn  3^3 

M^   W   M         O 

0   e3  <U   O         O 


INDEX  TO   CONSTITUTION 


29 


ncjckmcj    :    :^OH©H©    : t- <m <o <o co r-i co eo ■<* -<* « <o oo os ca t> h co h 


©.2.2 


.2  2 


.28 

E-t 


o  bo 


ft  fl  ; 

O  ee  <D 


8-a*^  art 

ais0«s8 


CO  H    o        .ph 

<D   <X>  W   g  00   >   m 

!_£  ®  d  *  oo^2iJft'j 
i"2      S  *SHhr      S«-<-r< 


£*; 


2-° 


ddd 
.2.2  © 

"So  "S3  d 


s>_ 


i  ?B§dS  £*^  a- 


o^s  •       ^  a>      p  MS  d«w 

d    >»0    CO  r,-J  T3  ,Q  T3    O    gj  « 

-£M'Q«2.<3-.3l2da>-M 

d      I      CO'T3r|'Q«M«M*™™ 


AS  l 

*S  \ 

d  d 
c3  ®  < 
M       c 

03 


as 


S®.s-e«rig«j®®r'Corl 

•-1  p  O   S-l   u 

So  bo  PiPiPi 

O  CO  OOO 

p-5      «        tftftf 


.;_    CD  -rf  l-H  r        HfiJ^r"^    O    -    ~  y^    eg-r 

3£g>.hS&sV***Ji§i 

sw  11  ft  n-Q  w  d  " 

M 
5 


^  ® 


2n33r*>     53  ^  <r>  ^>  c»  p-  p-  p- 


«5 

« .2  rt 

§022 


©  CO 


PS     P3     P3 


30 


INDEX   TO   CONSTITUTION 


cNHNNHl't-t«t»HHHNWMCON     !    4     V    I    I    1    j    1.  J    |    1    I    1    }    J 

cq  »hh  ::::::::::::::: 

"Su510tHiHtj((M(M(MNNC<IU5»010»010(M     !  H  <N>  CO  •«#     !  H  <M  CO  -<j(  ITJ  (£>     !HM 


^<OOHHNCOCOCOCOCOCOTj<^T^Tl<^C<JCOCOCOCOCOTt*Tl(^^^r}iTj<»OlOkrt 


■ss^- 


O  o 


e3  0 

lljfi 

L-Il"0' 

t-i  a>  2  ^  to 

«0  r^   2     I    >=d 

«      PhCO 


■*«p*  °^ 

>>£  p^'o  ! 
«  9,  cP  a. 

1   c3  O 


02    o^ 


"   £       o 


S  P  • 


S5 
k  fe  5  ft  a  £ 

P a\MM ft 

Pi     Pi       I      +3   +3    ^ 

-Pj?  H  p  -i  -i 


££' 


®  b,  ^ 

ftp  <u    :  o 
i      I  w 

'  ®  fl  I      .5 

p.8     *~  h 

ft.?  ^h 

^  g  <D.2   05 

3-2 

O  P 
COW 


c 

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CO 

ea 

p 

o 

u 

©r^ 

X 

BO 

s 

0 

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Pi 

© 

0 

p 

c 

r^ 

Ed 

CD 

<U   <u 

(D 

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OrP 

rp,p,p 

eg 

2  P'-S 
^  «.^ 

eS-21^  ft,P 

o  a  p  ^ 

®  ft^  ®  -r 

.£  g.£ 


fcflOOOOOOOOOO 


INDEX   TO   CONSTITUTION 


31 


(NCNJCNlNCN  CO       T^(M<M(MC^lM<MC0(Mp5cOiH.H(M^iH^iHrHCOiOT-l(MC0COeO 


■>#  t- t- t- CO  CO       COT^lOlOU5Wt'l>t^^iHCOCOCO-^(MO',l,'^T}IH'<*t-COCOCO 


3  fl 

r&  © 

«j_,  CO 

©  g 

p*=   <o  © 

■♦-■         cS  >>  * 


<»  5 

®  2 


g  o3  ©  e3 


&J3 

» a 

a 

02 


*   «3  5        ^M   =3  03  05  rj         £ 

g£gag.|taaal5| 


.9    :  2 
'.'2 

Or 
ft 


:o 


O 


<  ©T3 

>©  © 

!  *     ,2.2 

££££  «  S^^  2£-5  ^3*' 


^.5 
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CONSTITUTION 

Of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  California,  as  Last  Amended 

at  Its  Annual  Communication  in  October,  1883, 

with     the     General     Eegulations     Now     in 

Force,    and    Subsequent    Amendments, 

Up     To      and     Including     1907 


PAET    I. 
Of  the  Organization  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 


AETICLE    I. 
Of  Its  Title  and  Seal. 

Section  1.  This  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  entitled 
"The  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons  of  the  State  of  Calif ornia. ' \ 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  have  a  Seal — bearing  such  de- 
vices and  inscriptions  as  by  it  have  heretofore  been, 
or  may  hereafter  be,  determined — which  shall  be 
affixed  to  all  instruments  issued  by  or  under  its 
authority. 

AETICLE    II. 

Of  Its  Members  and  Their  Qualifications. 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  composed 
of  a  Grand  Master,  (whose  address  shall  be  Most 
Worshipful,)     a    Deputy    Grand    Master,    a    Senior 


34 


CONSTITUTION — PART    I,    ARTICLE    HI 


Grand  Warden  and  a  Junior  Grand  Warden,  (whose 
addresses  shall  severally  be  Right  Worshipful),  a 
Grand  Treasurer,  a  Grand  Secretary,  and  a  Grand 
Lecturer,  (whose  addresses  shall  severally  be  Very- 
Worshipful),  a  Grand  Chaplain,  (whose  address  shall 
be  Very  Reverend,)  a  Grand  Orator,  a  Grand  Mar- 
shal, a  Grand  Standard  Bearer,  a  Grand  Sword 
Bearer,  a  Grand  Bible  Bearer,  a  Senior  Grand 
Deacon,  a  Junior  Grand  Deacon,  two  Grand 
Stewards,  a  Grand  Pursuivant,  a  Grand  Organist, 
and  a  Grand  Tyler,  (whose  addresses  shall  severally 
be  Worshipful;)  together  with  all  the  Past  Grand 
Officers  and  Past  Masters  of  this  jurisdiction,  and 
the  Masters  and  Wardens  of  the  several  chartered 
and  duly  constituted  Lodges,  or  the  representatives 
thereof  duly  elected  as  provided  in  Art.  II,  Part 
V\  I . 

Sec.  2.  Each  officer  and  member  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  must  be  a  member  of  some  Lodge  within  its 
jurisdiction.  With  the  cessation  of  such  member- 
ship shall  cease  his  office  and  membership  in  the 
Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  3.  No  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be 
represented  therein  by  proxy. 

ARTICLE    III. 

Of  Its  Powers  and  Authority. 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Lodge  is  the  Supreme 
Masonic  Power  and  Authority  in  this  State,  possess- 
ing all  the  attributes  of  sovereignty  and  govern- 
ment— legislative,  executive,  and  judicial — limited 
only  by  a  strict  adherence  to  the  Ancient  Land- 
marks of  the  Order,  and  by  the  provisions  of  its 
own    constitution    and   Regulations. 


CONSTITUTION — PART    I,    ARTICLE    IV  88 

Sec.  2.  Its  legislative  powers  extend  to  every 
case  of  legislation  not  expressly  delegated  by  itself 
to  the  Lodges;  and  the  Constitution  and  Begula- 
tions,  which  it  has  an  inalienable  right  to  adopt 
and  promulgate  at  its  own  convenience,  and  to  alter, 
amend,  or  repeal  at  its  own  pleasure,  under  the 
limitations  therein  imposed,  are  final  and  binding 
upon  all  Lodges  and  Masons  within  its  jurisdiction, 
until  so  altered,  amended,  or  repealed. 

Sec.  3.  Its  executive  powers  include  the  granting 
of  dispensations  and  charters  to  establish  and  per- 
petuate Lodges  within  this  State,  and  in  other  ter- 
ritory where  no  Grand  Lodge  exists;  the  revocation 
or  suspension  thereof;  the  issuing  of  special  dispen- 
sations for  all  purposes  permitted  by  any  of  the 
provisions  of  this  Constitution;  and  the  exercise, 
generally,  of  all  such  authority  as  may  be  necessary 
to  carry  its  own  legislation  into  complete  effect. 

Sec.  4.     Its  judicial  powers  are  of  two  kinds: — 

1st.  Original — Including  the  decision  of  all  con- 
trovosies  between  any  of  the  Lodges,  or  between 
one  of  them  and  a  member  or  members  of  another; 
and  the  enforcement  of  discipline  upon  its  own 
members  and  upon  the  "Lodges  under  its  jurisdic- 
tion; and 

2d.  Appellate — Embracing  the  revision  of  all 
matters  of  controversy  or  discipline,  proper  for 
Masonic  investigation,  which  may  have  arisen  in 
any  of  the  Lodges,  and  over  which  it  has  not  re- 
tained   original    jurisdiction. 

ARTICLE     IV. 

Of   Its   Communications. 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Lodge  shall  hold  its  An- 
nual   Communications    for    the    transaction    of    its 


36  CONSTITUTION — PART    I,    ARTICLE   IV 

regular  business  at  the  city  of  San  Francisco,  com- 
mencing on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October,  at  10 
o'clock,  a.  m. 

Sec.  2.  Special  Communications  may  be  ordered 
by  the  Grand  Master  whenever  in  his  opinion,  the 
welfare  of  the  Fraternity  shall  require  it. 

Sec.  3.  Special  Communications  shall  be  ordered 
by  the  Grand  Master  upon  an  application  therefor 
in  writing,  setting  forth  the  causes  which  demand  it, 
and  signed  by  the  Masters  of  at  least  fifteen  char- 
tered Lodges. 

Sec.  4.  Every  order  for  a  Special  Communication 
shall  designate  the  object  thereof,  so  far  as  is  proper 
to  be  written,  and  unless  such  Communication  be 
called  merely  for  the  performance  of  some  Masonic 
ceremony,  shall  be  issued  to  each  Lodge  and  Grand 
Officer  at  least  thirty  days  before  the  day  named  for 
meeting;  and  no  business  shall  be  transacted  there- 
at other  than  that  for  which  the  Grand  Lodge  was 
especially  convened. 

Sec.  5.  The  officers  or  representatives  of  at  least 
seventy-five  chartered  Lodges  shall  be  present  in 
order  to  transact  any  business  in  the  Grand  Lodge, 
either  at  an  Annual  or  Special  Communication;  but, 
upon  occasions  of  ceremony  only,  the  Grand  Master, 
or  his  duly  authorized  representative,  with  a  suffi- 
cient number  of'  brethren  to  fill  the  stations  and 
places,  may  at  any  time  open  the  Grand  Lodge  and 
perform  the  ceremonies  for  which  it  was  convened. 

Sec.  6.  None  but  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
llic  Grand  Officers,  Past  Grand  Officers  and  Repre- 
sentatives of  other  Grand  Lodges,  and  the  members 
of  the  Grand  Organist's  choir,  shall  be  present  at 
the   opening  thereof  or  during  an   election   therein. 


CONSTITUTION PART    I,    ARTICLE    V  •  >< 

AETICLE    V. 
Of  Its  Elections  and  Appointments. 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Master,  Deputy  Grand 
Master,  Grand  Wardens,  Grand  Treasurer,  Grand 
Secretary,  and  Grand  Lecturer  shall  be  elected  by 
ballot,  at  each  Annual  Communication,  upon  the 
fourth  day  thereof;  shall  be  installed  before  its 
close;  and  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  until 
their  successors  shall  have  been  elected  and  in- 
stalled. A  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  shall  be 
necessary  for  an  election. 

Sec.  2.  All  other  Grand  Officers  shall  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  Grand  Master,  immediately  after 
his  installation,  at  each  Annual  Communication; 
shall  be  properly  invested  before  the  close  thereof; 
and  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  during  his  will 
and  pleasure. 

Sec.  3.  Whenever  a  vacancy  shall  occur  in  any 
elective  office  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter shall  have  power  to  fill  the  same  by  appoint- 
ment, which  appointment  shall  be  valid  until  the 
succeeding  annual  election  and  installation;  and 
the  officer  so  appointed  shall  be  charged  with  all  the 
duties  and  responsibilities  of  one  regularly  elected. 

AETICLE    VI. 

Of  Its  Voting  and  Representation. 

Section  1.  All  questions  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  ex- 
cept election  of  officers,  shall  be  decided  either  viva 
voce  or  by  a  show  of  hands;  unless,  before  the  an 
noiincement  of  the  result  thereof,  three  members 
shall  demand  that  the  vote  be  taken  by  yeas  and 
nays,  in  which  case  it  shall  thus  be  taken. 


38  CONSTITUTION — PART    I,    ARTICLE    VII 

Sec.  2.  Each  Grand  Officer  present,  whether  elect- 
ed or  appointed,  (except  the  Grand  Tyler,)  and  each 
Past  Grand  Officer  present,  shall  be  entitled  to  one 
vote. 

Sec.  3.  Each  Lodge  represented  shall  be  entitled 
to  three  votes;  and  the  Past  Masters  of  each  Lodge 
shall,  collectively,  be  entitled  to  one  vote. 

Sec.  4.  No  Grand  Officer,  Past  Grand  Officer,  or 
Past  Master,  voting  or  participating  in  a  vote,  in 
either  of  those  capacities,  shall  vote  or  participate 
in  a  vote,  in  any  other  of  them;  but  either  of  such 
members  may,  as  Master,  Warden,  or  representa- 
tive of  a  Lodge,,  cast  also  the  vote  or  votes  to  which 
such  position  shall  entitle  him. 

Sec.  5.  When  a  Lodge  shall  be  represented  by 
only  two  of  its  proper  officers,  the  officer  highest  in 
rank  may  cast  two  of  its  three  votes. 

Sec.  6.  When  a  Lodge  shall  be  represented  by 
only  one  of  its  proper  officers,  or  by  a  representa- 
tive, such  officer  or  representative  may  cast  all  the 
votes  to  which  it  is  entitled. 

Sec.  7.  In  all  cases  of  a  tie  vote,  except  votes  by 
ballot,  the  Grand  Master,  in  addition  to  his  proper 
vote,  may  have  the  casting  vote. 

AETICLE    VII. 

Of  Its  Committees  and  Their  Duties. 

Section  1.  The  following  regular  committees,  to 
consist  of  five  members  each,  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  Grand  Master  at  each  Annual  Communication, 
as  soon  as  practicable  after  its  commencement,  viz.. 
On  Credentials,  on  Charters,  and  on  By-Laws  of 
Lodges,  the  duties  of  which  committees  shall  cease 
at  the  close  of  such  Communication. 


CONSTITUTION PART    I,    ARTICLE    VIII 


;ii) 


Sec.  2.  The  following  standing  committees,  to 
consist  of  five  members  each,  shall  also  be  appointed 
by  the  Grand  Master  at  each  Annual  Communication 
just  before  its  close,  viz.:  On  Jurisprudence,  on 
Finances,  on  Accounts,  on  Grievances,  on  Corres- 
pondence, on  Eeturns,  and  on  Pay  of  Members,  the 
duties  of  which  committees  shall  continue  during 
the  year  thereafter,  and  shall  cease  at  the  close  of 
the  next  succeeding  Annual   Communication. 

Sec.  3.  Special  committees  may  also  be  appointed 
by  the  Grand  Master,  whenever  it  may  be  deemed 
necessary  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  4.  No  business  of  any  kind  shall  be  finally 
acted  Upon  until  after  reference  to  and  report  upon 
by  a  committee,  unless  by  unanimous  consent;  and 
no  appropriation  of  money  shall  be  made  until  after 
reference  to  and  report  upon  by  the  Committee  on 
Finance;  and  no  appropriation  of  money  shall  be 
made  at  any  Annual  Communication  after  the  elec- 
tion of  Grand  Officers,  except  by  a  three-fourths 
vote  of  the  members  present. 

AETICLE     VIII. 
Of  Its  Revenue  and  Their  Sources. 

Section  1.  The  revenue  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall 
be  derived  from  the  following  sources: — 

1st.  From  fees  charged  for  dispensations,  char- 
ters, diplomas  and  other  documents  issued  under  its 
authority: 

2d.  From  contributions  levied  upon  the  Lodges, 
which  shall  always  be  equal  and  uniform,  in  pro- 
portion to  their  membership  and  degrees  conferred: 
and 

3d.  From  the  funds,  dues,  and  proceeds  of  all 
property  of  dissolved  Lodges  within  its  jurisdiction. 


iO  CONSTITUTION — PART    I,    ARTICLE    VIII 

Sec.  2.  The  following  shall  be  the  fees  charged 
as  above: — 

1st.  For  a  dispensation  to  form  a  new  Lodge,  the 
sum  of  seventy-five  dollars: 

2d.  For  a  charter  to  perpetuate  a  Lodge,  the  sum 
of  fifty  dollars: 

3d.  For  a  dispensation  to  hold  an  election  of  an 
officer  or  officers  at  a  time  other  than  that  prescribed 
in  Sec.  1,  Art.  I,  Part  IV,  the  sum  of  ten  dollars: 

4th.  For  a  dispensation  to  ballot  for  a  candidate 
for  the  degrees,  without  the  reference  to  a  com- 
mittee prescribed  in  Sec.  3,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  the 
sum   of   ten   dollars: 

5th.  For  a  dispensation  to  receive  and  act  upon 
the  petition  of  a  rejected  candidate  for  the  degrees, 
within  a  less  period  than  the  twelve  months  pre- 
scribed in  Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  the  sum  of  ten 
dollars : 

6th.  For  a  dispensation  to  receive  and  act  upon 
the  petition  for  degrees  of  a  person  belonging  to  the 
army  or  navy  of  the  United  States,  who  may  not 
possess  the  qualification  of  residence  prescribed  in 
Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  the  sum  of  ten  dollars: 
and 

7th.  For  a  diploma  of  any  kind,  the  sum  of  one 
dollar,  except  when  issued  for  the  widow  or  children 
of  a  deceased  Mason,  in  which  case  there  shall  be 
no  charge;  but  no  diploma  shall  issue  except  upon 
the  presentation  to  the  Grand  Secretary  of  a  certifi- 
cate from  the  Secretary  of  a  Lodge,  in  one  of  the 
forms  prescribed  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII. 

Sec.  3.  In  no  case  shall  either  of  the  foregoing 
documents  be  issued  until  the  fees  therefor  shall 
have  been  paid  to  the  Grand  Secretary. 


CONSTITUTION — PART    I,    ARTICLE    VIII  41 

Sec.  4.  The  following  contributions  shall  be  paid 
as  annual  clues  by  each  of  the  Lodges,  whether  char- 
tered or  under  dispensation,  at  the  time  and  in  the 
manner  provided  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  II,  Part  III: — 

1st.  For  each  degree  it  shall  have  conferred  dur- 
ing the  year,  the  sum  of  one  dollar: 

2d.  For  each  Master  Mason  borne  upon  its  roll 
at  the  date  of  its  annual  report,  the  sum  of  seventy- 
five  cents: 

And  the  Grand  Lodge  may  levy,  in  addition  to 
the  above,  such  other  contributions  as  in  its  judg- 
ment may  be  required. 

Sec.  5.  In  case  of  the  dissolution  of  a  Lodge,  the 
Grand  Secretary,  or  some  brother  by  him  duly  au- 
thorized, shall  at  once  proceed  to  receive  its  funds 
on  hand,  collect  its  outstanding  dues,  and  dispose  of 
its  jewels,  furniture,  and  other  property  of  every 
kind,  in  such  manner  as  shall  seem  to  him  most 
judicious;  and  he  shall  place  the  proceeds  thereof, 
after  the  payment  of  all  just  debts  and  necessary 
expenses,  among  the  funds  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 


12  CONSTITUTION — PART    II,    ARTICLE    I 


PART    II. 
Of  the  Grand  Officers  and  Their  Powers  and  Duties. 


ARTICLE    I. 
Of  the  Grand  Master. 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Master,  during  the  interval 
between  the  Communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
may  exercise  all  its  executive  powers  as  defined  in 
Sec.  3,  Art.  Ill,  Part  I,  except  the  granting  of  char- 
ters. By  virtue  of  these,  authority  is  given  him, 
among  other  things: — 

1st.  To  grant  dispensations  for  the  formation  of 
new  Lodges,  under  the  regulations  prescribed  in 
Sec.  2,  Art.  I,  Part  III: 

2d.  To  grant  dispensations  for  the  holding  elec- 
tions of  an  officer  or  officers  at  times  other  than  the 
regular  period  prescribed  in  Sec.  1,  Art.  I,  Part  IV, 
under  the  regulations  provided  in  Sec.  2,  Art.  I, 
Part  IV: 

3d.  To  grant  dispensations  to  ballot  for  and  con- 
fer the  degrees  upon  candidates  without  the  refer- 
ence of  their  applications  to  committees,  as  pre- 
scribed in  Sec.  3,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  under  the 
regulations  provided  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III; 

4th.  To  grant  dispensations  to  receive  and  act 
upon  the  petitions  of  rejected  applicants  for  the  de- 
grees, within  a  less  period  than  the  twelve  months 
prescribed  in  Sec.  2,  Art.  III.  Part  III,  under  the 
regulations  provided  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III: 


CONSTITUTION — PART    II,    ARTICLE    I  4o 

5th.  To  grant  dispensations  to  receive  and  act 
upon  the  petitions  for  degrees  of  persons,  belonging 
to  the  army  or  navy  of  the  United  States,  who  may 
not  possess  the  qualification  of  residence  prescribed 
in  See.  2,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  under  the  regulations 
provided  in  Sec.  5,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III: 

6th.  To  convene  any  Lodge,  preside  therein,  in- 
spect its  proceedings,  and  compel  its  conformity  to 
Masonic  usage: 

7th.  To  arrest  the  charter  or  dispensation  of  any 
Lodge,  for  good  reasons  shown,  and  suspend  the 
operations  thereof  until  the  next  Annual  Communi- 
cation: 

8th.  To  suspend  the  Master  of  any  Lodge  from 
the  exercise  of  the  powers  and  duties  of  his  office, 
for  good  reasons  shown,  until  the  next  Annual  Com- 
munication. 

9th.  To  transfer,  upon  the  request  of  a  Master  to 
whom  charges  of  unmasonic  conduct  against  a 
Mason  have  been  presented,  the  trial  of  the  accused 
from  the  Lodge  having  jurisdiction  by  reason  of  his 
membership  or  residence,  to  some  other  Lodge  to  be 
named  in  his  order,  whenever,  for  the  convenience 
of  witnesses  or  other  good  cause,  such  transfer  is, 
in  his  judgment,  necessary  or  expedient;  and  to 
direct,  in  such  case,  that  the  charges  and  the  order 
of  transfer  be  transmitted  to  the  Master  of  the 
Lodge  to  which  such  transfer  shall  be  made;  and 
that  such  Master,  upon  the  receipt  thereof,  shall 
proceed  in  the  manner  and  form  provided  in  Art. 
IV,  Part  VI: 

10th.  To  require  the  attendance  of  and  informa- 
tion from  any  Grand  Officer  respecting  matters  ap- 
pertaining to  the  duties  of  his  office:  and 

11th.     To     appoint     Representatives     near     other 


1  t  CONSTITUTION — PART    II,    ARTICLE    II 

recognized  Grand  Lodges,  and  to  receive  and 
accredit   Eepresentatives  from   them. 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Master — 

1st.  To  preside  in  the  Grand  Lodge  at  all  its 
Communications : 

2d.  To  present  at  each  Annual  Communication, 
a  written  message,  therein  setting  forth  all  his 
official  acts  during  the  year,  exhibiting  the  general 
condition  of  Masonry  within  the  jurisdiction,  and 
recommending  such  legislation  as  he  may  deem 
necessary  or  expedient  for  the  welfare  of  the  Craft: 

3d.  To  constitute  all  chartered  Lodges,  either  in 
person  or  by  a  duly  authorized  representative,  in 
accordance  with  the  ancient  usages  and  regulations: 

4th.  To  exercise  a  general  and  careful  supervi- 
sion over  the  Craft,  and  see  that  the  Constitution 
and  Eegulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge  are  strictly 
maintained,  supported,  and  obeyed:  and 

5th.  To  discharge  all  the  necessary  executive 
functions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  when  that  body  is 
not   in   session. 

AETICLE    II. 

Of  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Wardens. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Deputy 
Grand  Master  to  assist  the  Grand  Master  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duties  at  all  the  Communications 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and,  in  his  absence,  to  preside 
therein;  and,  in  the  event  of  the  death  of  the  Grand 
Master,  or  of  his  absence  from  the  State,  or  of  his 
inability  from  any  cause  to  perform  the  functions  of 
his  office,  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  shall  succeed 
to  and  be  charged  with  all  his  powers  and  duties. 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Wardens 
to  assist   the  Grand  Master  at  all  the  Communica- 


CONSTITUTION — PART    II,    ARTICLE    III  I"> 

tions  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  in  his  absence  and 
that  of  the  Deputy  Grand  Master,  to  preside  therein 
in  the  order  of  their  rank;  and,  in  case  of  the  death, 
absence  from  the  State,  or  inability,  as  before,  of 
both  their  superiors,  the  Grand  Wardens,  shall,  in 
the  order  of  their  rank,  succeed  to  and  be  charged 
with  all  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  Grand  Master. 

ARTICLE    III. 
Of  the  Grand  Treasurer. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand 
Treasurer: 

1st.  To  receive  all  moneys  belonging  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  from  the  Grand  Secretary;  to  give  him  dupli- 
cate receipts  therefor,  and  to  keep  in  proper  books 
a  just  account  thereof;  and,  from  time  to  time,  im- 
mediately upon  the  receipt  of  said  moneys,  to  de- 
posit the  same  to  the  credit  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  in 
some  bank  or  banks  selected  by  the  first  three 
officers  of  this  Grand  Lodge.  When  a  deposit  is  so 
made,  a  duplicate  deposit  tag  shall  be  immediately 
transmitted  by  the  Grand  Treasurer  to  the  Grand 
Master.  The  money  shall  be  withdrawn  from  the 
bank  only  on  checks,  drafts,  or  orders  signed  by  the 
Grand  Master  (or  Deputy  Grand  Master)  and  Grand 
Treasurer: 

2d.  To  take  charge  of  all  other  property  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  except  as  provided  in  Sec.  1,  Art.  IV, 
of  this  Part,  and  keep  an  accurate  account  thereof; 
whenever  any  such  property  consists  of  bonds,  or 
other  evidences  or  securities  for  debt,  the  same  shall 
be  deposited  in  some  bank  or  Safe  Deposit  Com- 
pany's vaults  selected,  as  provided  in  subdivision 
one   of   this   section;   and  shall   only  be   withdrawn 


4G  CONSTITUTION PART    II,    ARTICLE    IV 

from   such   depository   on   the   written   order  of   the 
Grand  Master  and  Grand  Treasurer: 

3d.  To  pay  all  orders  drawn  upon  such  funds  and 
moneys  under  such  regulations  as  may  be  provided 
by  the   Grand  Lodge: 

4th.  To  attend  the  Grand  Lodge  at  all  its  Com- 
munications, and  the  Grand  Master,  when  required, 
with  the  books  and  all  necessary  papers  appertain 
ing  to  his  office;  and  also,  if  required  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Master,  to  attend,  with  such  books 
and  papers,  upon  any  committee  which  may  be 
appointed  to  act  in  relation  to  the  fiscal  concerns  of 
the  Grand  Lodge:   and 

5th.  To  report,  at  each  Annual  Communication, 
a  detailed  account  of  his  receipts  and  disbursements, 
with  proper  vouchers  for  the  latter;  and  to  present 
a  statement  of  the  existing  condition  of  its  property 
and  finances. 

Sec.  2.  He  shall  execute  and  file  in  the  office  of 
the  Grand  Master,  within  fifteen  days  after  his  in- 
stallation, an  official  bond,  in  such  penal  sum  and 
with  such  sureties  as  shall  be  approved  by  the  Grand 
Master,  conditioned  that  he  will  faithfully  discharge 
the  duties  of  his  office  as  prescribed  in  this  Consti- 
tution, and  at  the  end  of  his  term,  pay  over  and 
transfer  to  his  successor  all  funds  or  property  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  which  shall  have  come  into  his  keep- 
ing. 

Sec.  3.  He  shall  receive  such  compensation  for  his 
his  services  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct. 

ARTICLE    IV. 
Of  the  Grand  Secretary. 
Section   1.     It   shall  be   the   duty   of   the   Grand 
Secretary: 


CONSTITUTION PART    II,    ARTICLE    IV  47 

1st.  To  record  all  the  transactions  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  which  it  is  proper  to  have  written;  and  to 
superintend  the  publication  thereof,  immediately 
after  the  close  of  each  Communication,  under  such 
instructions  as  may  be  given  by  the  Grand  Lodge: 

2d.  To  receive,  duly  file,  and  safely  keep  all 
papers  and  documents  addressed  or  belonging  to  the 
Grand  Lodge;  and  to  present  such  as  may  require 
its  action,  at  each  Annual  Communication  thereof: 

3d.  To  keep  the  Seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and 
affix  the  same,  with  his  attestation,  to  all  instru- 
ments enamating  from  that  body,  and  also  to  all  the 
written  official  acts  of  the  Grand  Master,  when  by 
him   required: 

4th.  To  collect  all  moneys  due  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  keep  a  correct  account  thereof  in  proper 
books,  and  pay  the  said  money  within  ten  days  after 
its  receipt  to  the  Grand  Treasurer: 

5th.  To  report,  at  each  Annual  Communication, 
a  detailed  account  of  all  moneys  received  by  him 
during  the  year,  with  a  specific  statement  of  the 
sources  whence  they  were  derived;  and  to  present 
therewith  the  receipts  of  the  Grand  Treasurer  there- 
for: 

6th.  To  report,  at  each  Annual  Communication, 
all  Lodges  which  shall  be  in  arrears  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  or  which  shall  have  neglected  or  refused  to 
comply  with  any  provision  of  its  Constitution  and 
Communication  for  its  inspection: 

7th.  To  conduct  the  correspondence  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  and  to  submit  copies  thereof,  at  each  Anniml 
Communication  for  its  inspection: 

8th.  To  attend  the  Grand  Lodge  at  all  its  Com- 
munications, and  the  Grand  Master,  when  required. 


48  CONSTITUTION — PART   II,   ARTICLE    IV 

with  the  books  and  all  necessary  papers  appertain- 
ing to  his  office: 

9th.  To  keep  his  office,  with  all  the  books,  papers, 
and  archives  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  in  a  fire-proof 
building  in  the  city  of  San  Francisco;  and  to  have 
the  same  open  at  least  six  hours  each  day,  except 
Sundays  and  legal  holidays,  for  the  transaction  of 
Masonic  business: 

10th.  To  transmit  to  each  Lodge  within  the  juris- 
diction, a  list  of  all  expulsions,  suspensions  for  un- 
masonic  conduct,  and  restorations  after  having  been 
thus  suspended  or  expelled,  of  which  he  shall  have 
been  notified  by  the  several  Lodges;  and  shall  keep 
in  his  office  a  full  and  complete  list  and  record  of  all 
expulsions,  suspensions  and  restorations,  of  which  he 
shall  be  notified  by  the  several  Lodges: 

11th.  To  issue  notices  of  any  Special  Communi- 
cation for  important  business,  ordered  by  the  Grand 
Master,  to  each  Lodge  and  Grand  Officer  within  the 
jurisdiction: 

12th.  To  transmit  to  any  Lodge,  which  shall  send 
him  a  certificate  of  membership  and  good  standing 
of  a  deceased  brother,  in  the  form  prescribed  in  Art. 
Ill,  Part  VII,  stating  that  he  leaves  a  wife,  child,  or 
children,  a  Grand  Lodge  diploma  for  her,  his,  or 
their  benefit,  free  of  charge,  when  so  requested  by 
such  Lodge: 

13th.  To  take  charge  of  the  jewels,  furniture, 
clothing  and  other  paraphernalia  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
during  its  vacations: 

14th.  To  act  as  Grand  Librarian  and  take  charge 
of  the  library  of  the  Grand  Lodge  under  such  regu- 
lations as  it  may  prescribe: 

15th.  To  report,  at  each  Annual  Communication, 
all  unfinished  business  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  and  to 


CONSTITUTION — PART    II,   ARTICLE    V  49 

present  all  such  other  matters  to  its  notice  as  may 
properly  come  within  his  province: 

16th.  To  draw  warrants  upon  the  Treasurer  for 
all  appropriations  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  for  all  orders 
of  the  Grand  Master,  to  meet  cases  of  emergency 
during  a  recess  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  for  accounts 
and  claims  which  have  been  audited  and  approved 
by  the  Committee  on  Accounts:  and 

17th.  To  perform  all  such  other  duties,  apper- 
taining to  his  office,  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct. 

Sec.  2.  He  shall  execute  and  file  in  the  office  of 
the  Grand  Master,  within  fifteen  days  after  his  in- 
stallation, an  official  bond,  in  such  penal  sum  and 
with  such  sureties  as  shall  be  approved  by  the  Grand 
Master,  conditioned  that  he  will  faithfully  discharge 
the  duties  of  his  office  as  prescribed  in  this  Con- 
stitution. 

Sec.  3.  He  shall  receive  such  compensation  for 
his  services  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct. 

Sec.  4.  He  may,  with  the  approval  of  the  Grand 
Master,  appoint  an  Assistant  Grand  Secretary,  for 
whose  official  acts  he  shall  be  responsible,  and  who 
shall  be  considered  an  appointed  officer  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  shall  receive  such  compensation  for  his 
services  as  it  may  direct. 

AETICLE    V. 
Of  the  Appointed  Grand  Officers. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand 
Chaplain,  during  each  Communication  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  to  perform  such  services  appertaining  to 
his  office,  as  may  be  required  of  him  by  the  Grand 
Master. 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Cfrator, 
at  each  Annual  Communication,   to   deliver  an  ad- 


•30  CONSTITUTION — PART    II,    ARTICLE   V 

dress  to  the  Grand  Lodge  upon  matt.ers  appertain 
ing  to  the  Craft. 

Sec.  3.    It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Marshal: 

1st.  To  proclaim  the  Grand  Officers,  at  their  in 
stallation  and  to  make  such  other  proclamations  as 
by  the  Grand  Master  may  be  directed: 

2d.  To  introduce  the  Eepresentatives  of  other 
Grand  Lodges  and  all  visiting  brethren  of  distinc- 
tion:   and 

3d.  To  conduct  all  processions  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  under  the  direction  of  the  Grand  Master, 
and  perform  such  other  duties,  proper  to  his  office, 
as  may  be  required. 

Sec.  4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Stand- 
ard Bearer  to  bear  the  Banner  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
in  all  processions  and  at  all  public  ceremonies. 

Sec.  5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Sword 
Bearer  to  attend  upon  the  Grand  Master  and  bear 
the  Sword  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  all  processions 
and    at    all    public    ceremonies. 

Sec.  6.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Bible 
Bearer  to  bear  the  Holy  Writings  in  all  processions 
and  at  all  public  ceremonies. 

Sec.  7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Deacons 
to  assist  the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Wardens  in 
such  manner  as  the  ancient  usages  of  the  Craft 
prescribe. 

Sec.  8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand 
Stewards  to  superintend  the  preparations  for  all 
festive  occasions  directed  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  9.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Pur- 
suivant: 

1st.  To  guard  the  inner  door  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
and  communicate  with  the  Grand  Tyler  without: 

2d.     To  announce  all  applicants  for  admission  by 


CONSTITUTION — PART    II,    ARTICLE    V 


5fJ 


their  names  and  proper  Masonic  titles,  and  see  that 
all  who  enter  wear  the  jewel  and  clothing  proper 
to   their  rank: 

3d.  To  allow  none  to  withdraw  who  have  not 
obtained  permission  so  to  do  from  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter:  and 

4th.  To  act  as  assistant  to  the  Grand  Marshal 
in  all  processions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  at  all 
public   ceremonies. 

Sec.  10.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Or- 
ganist to  preside  at  the  organ  at  the  opening  and 
closing  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  conduct  its 
music  upon  all  occasions  of  ceremony,  when  re- 
quired. 

Sec.  11.    It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Tyler: 

1st.  To  guard  the  outer  door  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
and  communicate  with  the  Grand  Pursuivant  with- 
in: 

2d.  To  report  all  applicants  for  admission  to  the 
Grand  Pursuivant  and  see  that  all  who  enter  are 
duly  authorized  and  properly  clothed: 

3d.  To  make  suitable  preparations  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  the  Grand  Lodge  at  all  its  Com- 
munications, and  see  that  its  hall  is  kept  in  proper 
condition  during  their  continuance: 

4th.  To  take  charge  of  and  safely  keep  the 
jewels,  furniture,  clothing,  and  other  paraphernalia 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  during  its  Communications: 
and 

5th.  To  serve  all  notices  and  summonses,  and 
perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  required  of 
him  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  12.  The  Grand  Tyler  shall  receive  for  his 
services  such  compensation  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may 
direct. 


)-  CONSTITUTION — PART   II,    ARTICLE    VII 

ARTICLE  VI. 

Of  the  Expenses  of  the  Grand  Officers. 

Section  1.  Each  of  the  elective  Grand  Officers 
shall  be  entitled  to  receive  payment  for  the  amount 
of  his  necessary  expenses  in  attending  the  Grand 
Lodge  at  any  of  its  Communications;  but  in  all 
cases  the  claims  for  such  expenses  shall  be  ascer- 
tained by  the  Committee  on  Finances,  and  be  by  it 
reported  on,  before  allowance  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE    VII. 

Of  the  Duties  of  the  Committee  on  Accounts. 

Section  1.  All  the  members  of  the  Committee  on 
Accounts  must  be  residents  of  San  Francisco,  and 
it  shall  be  their  duty  to  meet  at  the  office  of  the 
Grand  Secretary  on  the  last  Saturday  of  each  month 
to  audit  such  bills,  claims  and  demands  against  the 
Grand  Lodge  as  may  have  been  placed  in  the  hands 
of  the  Grand  Secretary;  and  no  warrant  on  the 
Grand  Treasurer  for  any  bill,  claim  or  demand  shall 
be  drawn  by  the  Grand  Secretary  until  such  bill, 
claim  or  demand  shall  have  been  audited  and  ap- 
proved by  said  committee. 


CONSTITUTION — PART   HI,    ARTICLE    I 


PART     III. 

Of  the  Subordinate  Lodges. 


ARTICLE    I. 
Of  the  Organization  of  a  Lodge. 

Section  1.  A  Lodge  can  only  be  formed  by  au- 
thority of  a  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master, 
or  of  a  charter  from  the  Grand  Lodge;  and  no 
charter  shall  be  granted  to  any  Lodge  until  it  shall 
have  worked  a  time  under  dispensation,  and  shall 
have  exhibited  to  the  Grand  Lodge  satisfactory 
evidence  of  its  Masonic  capability. 

Sec.  2.  Upon  the  petition  of  twelve  or  more  Mas- 
ter Masons  being  presented  to  the  Grand  Master,  in 
the  form  prescribed  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII,  he  may 
grant  them  a  dispensation  to  open  and  hold  a  Lodge 
at  the  place  therein  to  be  named,  with  power  to 
make  Masons  and  receive  members  by  affiliation; 
and  he  shall  therein  appoint  the  Master  and  War- 
dens of  the  new  Lodge.  But  in  no  case  shall  such 
dispensation  be  issued  unless  the  petition  be  accom- 
panied by  a  recommendation  from  the  nearest  or 
most  convenient  chartered  Lodge  (if  from  a  town 
or  city  where  more  than  one  Lodge  exists,  then 
from  a  majority  of  such  Lodges)  provided,  always, 
that  whenever  the  nearest  or  most  convenient  char- 
tered Lodge  refuses  to  grant  the  recommendation, 
the  Grand  Master  may,  if  after  full  investigation, 
he  deems  it  to  be  for  the  best  interests  of  Masonry, 


•H  CONSTITUTION PART    III,    ARTICLE    I 

grant  such  dispensation  without  any  such  recom- 
mendation having  been  given,  setting  forth  in 
the  form  prescribed  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII,  that  the 
petitioners  are  all  Master  Masons  in  good  standing, 
that  the  establishment  of  the  new  Lodge  is  of  mani- 
fest propriety  and  will  conduce  to  the  good  of  the 
Order,  and  that  a  safe  and  suitable  Lodge-room 
lias  been  provided  therefor;  nor  unless  the  petition 
shall  also  be  accompanied  by  a  certificate  of  with- 
drawal of  each  petitioner  from  the  Lodge  of  which 
he  was  last  a  member,  and  by  a  certificate  from  a 
Master,  whom  the  Grand. Master  is  satisfied  is  well 
skilled  in  the  Craft,  in  the  form  prescribed  in  Art. 
Ill,  Part  VII,  declaring  that  the  Master  and  War- 
dens proposed  in  such  petition  are  each  fully  com- 
petent properly  to  confer  the  three  degrees  of  Ma- 
sonry and  to  deliver  entire  the  lectures  thereunto 
appertaining.  Such  dispensation  shall  terminate 
upon  the  first  day  of  the  month  in  which  the  next 
succeeding  Annual  Communication  shall  be  holden; 
and  shall  then  be  returned  to  the  Grand  Secretary, 
together  with  the  by-laws,  book  of  records,  and  re- 
turns of  the  new  Lodge  to  that  date. 

Sec.  3.  Upon  the  return  of  a  dispensation  of  a 
new  Lodge,  as  above,  with  a  petition  for  a  charter 
in  the  form  prescribed  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII,  if  an 
examination  of  its  work  and  proceedings  shall  prove 
satisfactory,  and  if  it  shall  produce  a  certificate,  as 
required  in  the  preceding  section,  that  the  Master 
and  Wardens  proposed  are  each  thoroughly  skilled 
in  the  work  and  lectures,  and  if  it  shall  also  show 
that  it  is  clear  of  all  indebtedness,  the  Grand  Lodge 
may  order  the  issue  of  a  charter  to  such  Lodge,  and 
assign  it  such  name  and  number  of  the  registry  as 
shall  be   deemed   proper;    and  such  Lodge   shall  be 


CONSTITUTION PART    III,    ARTICLE    II  •>•> 

duly  constituted  within  sixty  days  thereafter,  or  its 
charter  shall  be  forfeited.  If  the  examination  be 
not  satisfactory,  or  such  certificate  and  showing  be 
not  produced,  the  petition  may  be  totally  refused, 
or  a  continuance  of  the  dispensation,  until  the  next 
Annual  Communication,  may  be  ordered;  but  no 
such  continuance  shall  be  granted  a  second  time. 

Sec.  4.  A  Lodge  shall  consist  of  a  Master  a 
Senior  Warden,  a  Junior  Warden,  a  Treasurer,  a 
Secretary,  a  Senior  Deacon,  a  Junior  Deacon,  a 
Tyler,  and  such  other  officers  as  its  by-laws  may 
provide;  together  with  as  many  members  as  it  may 
find  convenient. 

AETICLE    II. 

Of  the  Powers  and  Duties  of  a  Lodge. 

Section  1.  The  powers  and  duties  of  a  Lodge  are 
such  as  are  prescribed  in  its  dispensation  or  charter, 
by  the  Constitution  and  Eegulations  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  by  the  general  regulations  of  Masonry; 
and  they  are  defined  as  follows: — 

1st.  Executive — In  the  direction  and  performance 
of  its  work,  as  prescribed  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  under 
the  control  of  the  Master;  and  in  all  other  matters, 
in  aid  of  the  Master,  who  is  the  primary  executive 
authority  of  the  Lodge: 

2d.  Legislative — Including  all  matters  of  legisla- 
tion relative  to  its  internal  concerns,  which  shall 
not  be  in  violation  of  the  general  regulations  of 
Masonry,  the  Constitution  or  Eegulations  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  or  its  own  particular  by-laws:  and 

3d.  Judicial — Embracing  the  exercise  of  discipline 
over  its  own  members  (except  the  Master),  and  all 
other  Masons  within  its  jurisdiction,  and  the  settle- 


51)  CONSTITUTION — PART   III,    ARTICLE    II 

ment  of  controversies  between  them;  subject  always 
to  a  revision  by  the  Grand  Lodge  upon  appeal. 

Sec.  2.  Each  Lodge  shall  have  not  more  than  one 
stated  meeting  in  each  lunar  month,  but  may  hold 
such  other  meetings  as  it  may  determine  or  the  Mas- 
ter shall  direct;  but  no  business  of  any  kind,  except 
collections  or  appropriations  for  charity,  conferring 
of  degrees,  ceremonial  observances,  electing  a  repre- 
sentative to  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  balloting  for  Com- 
missioners to  try  charges  of  unmasonic  conduct,  shall 
be  done  at  any  other  than  a  stated  meeting,  unless 
by  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master,  as  provided 
in  Sec.  1,  Art.  1,  Part  II.  And  all  business,  except 
the  examination  of  candidates  and  conferring  of  the 
subordinate  degrees,  shall  be  done  in  a  Lodge  of 
Master  Masons. 

Sec.  3.  Each  chartered  and  duly  constituted  Lodge 
shall  be  represented  in  the  Grand  Lodge  at  every 
Communication  by  one  or  more  of  its  proper  officers, 
or  by  a  representative  duly  elected  as  provided  in 
Art.  II,  Part  VII,  which  representative  shall  have 
credentials  in  the  form  provided  in  Art.  Ill,  Part 
VII. 

Sec.  4.  Each  chartered  Lodge  shall  transmit  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  a  full  and  correct  report  of  its 
transactions  for  the  twelve  months  next  preceding 
the  first  day  of  August  in  each  year,  within  fifteen 
days  thereafter,  in  such  form  as  may  be  provided; 
and  each  Lodge  under  dispensation  shall  transmit  a 
similar  report  from  the  date  of  its  organization  to 
the  first  day  of  October  in  each  year  without  delay. 
Every  Lodge  shall  accompany  such  report  with  pay- 
ment of  its  dues  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  those 
periods,  as  prescribed  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  VIII,  Part  I. 

Sec.  5.     Each  Lodge  shall  transmit  to  the  Grand 


CONSTITUTION — PART   III,    ARTICLE    II  BY 

Secretary  a  copy  of  its  by-laws  as  soon  as  adopted; 
but  no  such  by-laws,  nor  any  subsequent  amend- 
ments thereunto,  shall  be  deemed  valid  until  ap- 
proved by  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  though  they  may 
be  acted  under  until  the  next  Annual  Communica- 
tion if  approved  by  the  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  6.  Each  Lodge,  having  concurrent  jurisdic- 
tion with  another  Lodge  or  other  Lodges,  shall  im- 
mediately notify  such  other  Lodge  or  Lodges  of  any 
application  it  may  receive  for  the  degrees  or  for 
affiliation. 

Sec.  7.  Each  chartered  Lodge  shall,  within  two 
months  from  the  date  of  its  charter,  provide  a  suit- 
able seal,  bearing  such  devices  as  may  be  deemed 
proper  and  having  inscribed  thereon  the  name  and 
number  of  the  Lodge,  the  date  of  its  charter,  and 
the  place  of  its  location;  and  all  documents  or  papers 
of  every  kind  whatsoever,  emanating  from  such 
Lodge,  or  from  its  Master  or  Secretary  in  his  offi- 
cial capacity,  shall  bear  the  impress  of  such  seal  or 
be  considered  null  and  of  no  effect. 

Sec.  8.  Each  Lodge  shall  have  all  official  com- 
munications from  the  Grand  Master  or  Grand  Sec- 
retary read  in  open  Lodge  at  the  stated  meeting 
next  following  their  receipt. 

Sec.  9.  Each  Lodge  shall  provide  the  several 
books  prescribed  in  Sec.  2,  Art.  V,  Part  IV,  to  be 
kept  by  its  Secretary,  which  shall  be  prepared  in 
accordance  with  forms  to  be  provided. 

Sec.  10.  Each  Lodge  shall  provide,  in  such  man- 
ner as  it  may  deem  proper,  for  the  payment  of  its 
officers  or  representatives  in  attending  the  Com- 
munications of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  11.  Two  or  more  Lodges,  located  near  each 
other,   may   consolidate   into    one   upon   such   terms 


58  CONSTITUTION — PART    III,    ARTICLE    III 

as  may  be  agreed  upon  by  themselves;  but,  of  such 
proposed  consolidation  the  members  of  each  Lodge 
shall  have  at  least  three  months'  notice  before  the 
stated  meeting  at  which  such  proposition  is  to  be 
acted  upon,  and  it  shall  require  the  assent,  in  writ- 
ing, of  at  least  three-fourths  of  all  the  members  of 
each  Lodge  to  adopt  such  proposal  for  consolidation. 
The  Lodge  thus  formed  may  bear  the  name  and 
number  of  one  of  the  Lodges  composing  it,  in  which 
case  it  may  retain  the  charter  and  seal  of  that 
Lodge;  or  it  may  bear  the  name  of  one  and  the 
number  of  another  of  such  Lodges,  and  shall  then 
receive  a  new  charter,  without  charge,  and  provide 
a  new  seal;  or  it  may  have  an  endorsement  of  the 
authorization  of  such  consolidation  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  made  upon  the  charter  of  one  of  the  com- 
ponent Lodges.  No  such  consolidation,  however, 
shall  go  into  effect  until  all  the  proceedings  relative 
thereto  shall  have  been  submitted  to  and  approved 
by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  12.  For  the  neglect  or  violation  of  any  duty 
imposed  upon  a  Lodge  in  this  Constitution,  its  char- 
ter may  be  suspended  or  forfeited;  and  for  the 
neglect  or  violation  of  any  duty  herein  imposed  upon 
a  Secretary,  his  Lodge  shall  be  held  responsible. 

ARTICLE    III. 

Of  Prohibitions. 

Section  1.  No  Lodge  shall  remove  its  place  of 
meeting  from  that  named  in  its  dispensation  or  char- 
ter, unless  notice  shall  have  been  given  at  a  stated 
meeting  that  a  resolution  for  such  removal  will  be 
offered  at  the  next  succeeding  one,  nor  unless  such 
resolution  shall  have  been  adopted  by  the  votes  of 


CONSTITUTION PART    III,    ARTICLE    III 


m 


at  least  two-thirds  of  the  members  present  at  such 
succeeding  stated  meeting;  nor  shall  such  removal 
then  take  place  until  the  action  of  the  Lodge  shall 
have  been  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand 
Master. 

Sec.  2.  No  Lodge  in  this  State  shall  receive  an 
application  for  the  degrees  of  Masonry  unless  the 
applicant  shall  have  been  a  resident  within  the  State 
during  twelve  months,  and  within  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  Lodge  during  six  months,  next  preceding  the 
date  of  his  application,  except  that  in  the  case  of 
one  who  has  the  qualification  of  residence,  the  Lodge 
within  whose  jurisdiction  he  resides  may,  upon  his 
request  in  writing  and  for  good  cause  shown,  author- 
ize another  Lodge  to  receive  and  act  upon  his  appli- 
cation, and  except  in  the  case  of  a  person  belonging 
to  the  army  or  navy  of  the  United  States,  whose 
appliaction,  though  he  have  not  that  qualification  of 
residence,  may  be  received  by  dispensation  from  the 
Grand  Master,  as  provided  in  Sec.  1,  Art.  I,  Part  II. 
Nor  shall  any  Lodge  receive  such  application  from 
any  person  who,  within  twelve  months  next  pre- 
ceding, shall  have  been  rejected  by  any  Lodge,  unless 
by  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master,  as  provided 
in  Sec.  1,  Art.  I,  Part  II.  All  such  applications,  as 
well  as  those  for  affiliation,  shall  be  in  writing, 
signed  by  the  applicant,  and  recommended  by  at 
least  two  members  of  the  Lodge,  in  the  forms  pre- 
scribed  in   Art.   Ill,   Part   VII. 

Sec.  3.  No  Lodge  shall  ballot  upon  any  applica- 
tion named  in  the  next  preceding  section,  except  by 
dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master,  as  provided  in 
Sec.  1,  Art.  I,  Part  II,  until  it  shall  have  been  re- 
ferred to  a  committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
make    strict    examination    into    the    moral,    mental, 


GO  CONSTITUTION — PART   III,    ARTICLE    HI 

physical  and  other  proper  qualifications  of  the  appli- 
cant, and  to  report  thereon  at  the  next  stated  meet- 
ing, unless  further  time  be  granted.  No  application 
shall  be  withdrawn  after  reference  to  a  committee, 
except  as  hereinafter  provided  in  this  section.  If 
the  report  of  the  committee,  or  of  any  member 
thereof,  be  unfavorable,  no  ballot  shall  be  had,  but 
the  Master  shall,  upon  the  reception  of  such  report, 
declare  the  candidate  rejected.  If  the  report  be 
favorable,  a  ballot  shall  be  had;  and  it  shall  require 
an  unanimous  ballot  to  elect.  If  but  one  black  ball 
appear  in  the  ballot-box,  the  Master,  without  declar- 
ing the  result,  shall  at  once  order  a  second  ballot 
for  the  purpose  of  correcting  a  possible  mistake, 
which  ballot  shall  be  the  last;  but  in  no  case,  after 
one  ballot  has  been  had,  shall  any  discussion  be 
permitted  in  the  Lodge  before  the  second  ballot  is 
had,  nor  shall  the  second  ballot  be  postponed  to 
another  meeting  of  the  Lodge.  If  the  committee 
find  the  applicant  disqualified  in  consequence  of  in- 
sufficient residence  or  physical  disability,  and  find 
no  other  objection  to  him,  they  shall  make  a  special 
report  thereupon;  in  which  case  the  Master  may 
direct  the  withdrawal  of  the  application  without 
further  action,  and  such  direction  shall  be  entered 
upon  the  record. 

Sec.  4.  No  dispensation  shall  be  issued  to  a  Lodge 
to  ballot  for  and  confer  the  degrees  upon  a  candi- 
date without  reference  to  a  committee,  as  provided 
for  in  the  next  preceding  section,  nor  to  receive  and 
act  upon  the  petition  of  a  rejected  applicant  within 
less  than  twelve  months  after  the  date  of  such  re- 
jection, unless  the  application  therefor  be  made  by 
the  Lodge,  by  an  unanimous  vote  by  ballot;  and 
of  the  special  meeting  to  be  ho] den  under  such  (lis- 


CONSTITUTION — PART    III,    ARTICLE    III  61 

pensation,  and  the  purpose  thereof,  the  members  of 
the  Lodge  shall  have  due  notice. 

Sec.  5.  No  dispensation  shall  be  issued  to  a  Lodge 
to  receive  and  act  upon  the  petition  for  degrees  of  a 
person  belonging  to  the  army  or  navy  of  the  United 
States,  who  has  not  the  qualification  of  residence 
prescribed  in  Sec.  2  of  this  Article,  unless  the  appli- 
cation therefor  be  made  by  the  Lodge  by  an  unani- 
mous vote  by  ballot;  and  should  such  dispensation 
be  issued,  the  petition  shall  take  the  usual  course 
of  reference  and  ballot  in  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  6.  No  Lodge  shall  have  more  than  one  ballot 
for  the  three  degrees;  but,  though  an  applicant  may 
be  elected  to  receive  them,  if,  at  any  time  before  his 
initiation,  objction  be  made  by  any  member,  he  shall 
not  receive  the  degree  until  such  objection  shall 
have  been  withdrawn;  and  such  objection  shall,  un- 
less withdrawn  within  sixty  days,  have  the  effect 
of  a  rejection  by  ballot,  and  shall  be  so  reported 
to  the  Grand  Secretary;  and  if,  after  his  initiation, 
but  before  being  passed,  or  after  passing,  before 
being  raised,  objection  to  his  advancement  be  made 
by  any  member,  such  objection  shall  be  referred  to 
a  committee,  with  power  to  inquire  into  the  cause 
thereof,  who  shall,  at  the  next  stated  meeting  (un- 
less further  time  be  given),  report  thereon;  and  upon 
the  reception  of  such  report,  if  no  cause  for  the 
objection  has  been  assigned,  or  if  the  cause  assigned 
be,  in  the  opinion  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
present,  not  a  valid  and  Masonic  one,  the  Lodge  may 
confer  the  degree  in  the  same  manner  as  if  no 
objection    had   been   made. 

Sec  7.  No  Lodge  shall  advance  an  Entered  Ap- 
prentice or  a  Fellow  Craft  to  a  higher  degree  until, 
after  tk  strict   examination   in  open  Lodge,   lie  shall 


<>^  CONSTITUTION — PART    III,    ARTICLE    III 

have  given  satisfactory  evidence  that  he  is  entirely 
proficient  and  well  qualified  in  that  or  those  which 
he  has  already  taken;  and  no  Entered  Apprentice 
or  Fellow  Craft  shall  be  advanced  to  a  higher  de- 
gree in  any  Lodge  other  than  that  in  which  he  shall 
have  received  those,  or  either  of  those  degrees,  unless 
by  the  official  consent  of  such  Lodge,  if  it  then  be  in 
existence  and  be  within  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica or  the  Dominion  of  Canada. 

Sec  8.  No  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  confer 
the  three  degrees  for  a  less  fee  than  thirty  dollars, 
nor  in  any  place  where  two  or  more  Lodges  have 
concurrent  jurisdiction  for  a  less  fee  than  fifty  dol- 
lars, except  with  the  consent  of  all  said  Lodges;  and 
in  every  case  the  entire  fee  for  the  degrees  shall 
accompany  the  application,  else  such  application 
shall  not  be  received.  Provided,  however,  that,  if 
the  applicant  has  already  received  the  first  degree, 
or  the  first  and  second  degrees,  in  another  Lodge, 
the  fee  to  accompany  his  application  for  the  remain- 
ing degrees  or  degree  shall  be  such  proportion  of  the 
fee  for  all  the  degrees  as  the  by-laws  of  the  Lodge 
may  prescribe. 

Sec.  9.  No  Lodge  shall  confer  degrees  upon  more 
than  five  candidates  at  any  one  meeting;  nor  shall 
confer  more  than  one  degree  upon  any  one  candidate 
at  any  one  meeting;  nor  shall  confer  either  of  the 
degrees  upon  more  than  one  candidate  at  a  time. 

Sec.  10.  No  Lodge  nor  any  Mason,  shall  appear 
in  Masonic  clothing  in  any  public  procession,  or  at 
any  public  meeting  or  place,  without  permission 
from  the  Grand  Master,  except  for  the  burial  of  a 
brother,  or  for  the  performance  of  some  other 
strictly  Masonic  duty  or  ceremony. 

Sec.  11.     No  Lodge  shall  expel  a  member  for  the 


CONSTITUTION — PART    III,    ARTICLE    III  <'>•"> 

non-payment  of  dues;  but,  in  case  any  member  shall 
have  refused  or  neglected  to  pay  his  regular  dues 
during  a  period  of  twelve  months  he  shall  be  notified 
by  the  Secretary,  either  by  registered  letter  or  by 
actual  service  of  notice,  duly  certified  by  the  Tyler, 
that  unless  at  the  next  stated  meeting  either  his 
dues  be  paid  or  sickness  or  inability  to  pay  be 
shown  as  the  cause  of  such  refusal  or  neglect,  he 
will  be  suspended  from  all  the  rights  and  privileges 
of  Masonry.  If  neither  of  these  things  be  done,  he 
shall  at  such  stated  meeting  be  declared  by  the 
Master  to  be  suspended,  unless  for  special  reasons 
shown  the  Lodge  shall  remit  his  dues  or  grant  him 
further  time  for  their  payment.  But  any  Mason 
thus  suspended  who  shall  at  any  time  pay  the  ar- 
rearages due  at  the  time  of  his  suspension,  together 
with  such  further  dues  as  would,  had  he  retained  his 
membership,  have  accrued  against  him  to  the  date 
of  such  payment,  or  who  shall  have  had  such  arrear- 
ages and  dues  remitted  by  his  Lodge,  shall  by  either 
of  these  acts  be  restored;  provided,  that  should  any 
member  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  neglect 
for  the  period  of  two  years  to  pay  his  dues  or  have 
the  same  remitted  by  his  Lodge,  said  member  shall 
not  be  restored  except  by  a  three-fourths  vote  by 
ballot  of  all  the  members  present  at  the  next  stated 
meeting  after  the  petition  for  restoration  is  pre- 
sented. 

Any  Secretary  failing  or  neglecting  to  comply 
with  the  requireemnts  of  this  section  relative  to 
notifying  delinquents  shall  be  subject  to  discipline 
by  his  Lodge  for  neglect  of  duty.  (As  amended, 
1907.) 

Sec.  12.  No  Lodge  shall  receive  lectures  from  any 
person  who  is  not  duly  authorized  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  or  the  Grand  Moster. 


<>l  CONSTITUTION — PART    III,    ARTICLE    IV 

Sec.  13.  No  Lodge  shall  receive  an  application  for 
affiliation  unles  it  be  accompanied  by: 

(1)  A  certificate  of  membership  and  good  stand- 
ing, as  provided  in  Sec.  8,  Art.  I,  Part  V;  or 

(2)  A  proper  dimit  from  the  Lodge  of  which  he 
was  last  a  member,  or  satisfactory  explanation,  in 
writing,  of  his  inability  to  furnish  such  dimit. 

Sec.  14.  No  Lodge  shall  bury  with  Masonic 
honors  any  Mason  who  has  fallen  in  a  duel. 

Sec.  15.  No  Lodge  or  Mason  shall  hold  Masonic 
communication  with  any  Lodge  which  has  been  de- 
clared illegal  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  with  any  per- 
son who  has  received  degrees  in,  or  is  a  member 
of,  such  a  Lodge. 

Sec.  16.  No  Lodge  shall  admit  a  visitor  without 
due  inquiry  or  examination,  nor  if  there  be,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  Master,  a  valid  objection  made  to 
such  admission  by  a  member  of  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  17.  No  Lodge,  which  shall  have  failed  to 
make  its  annual  returns,  with  payment  of  its  dues, 
as  provided  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  II,  Part  III,  and  in  Sec. 
1,  Art.  V,  Part  IV,  shall  be  entitled  to  representa- 
tion at  the  next  Annual  Communication. 

Sec.  18.  No  Lodge  shall  recognize  any  Body,  pur- 
porting to  be  a  Masonic  Lodge,  which  shall  be  holden 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  any 
State  or  Territory  of  the  United  States  without  au- 
thority from  such  Grand  Lodge;  nor  shall  any 
Lodge,  or  any  member  thereof,  admit  or  hold  Ma- 
sonic intercourse  with  a  member  of  any  such  Body. 

Sec.  19.  No  Lodge  shall  recognize  as  a  Mason  any 
person  who,  being  at  the  time  a  resident  of  this 
State,  has  received,  or  claims  to  .have  received,  the 
degree  of  Masonry  from  any  source  beyond  the 
jurisdiction  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  without  the  proper 


CONSTITUTION PART    III,    ARTICLE    IV  M 

permission,  until  the  Lodge  nearest  his  place  of  resi- 
dence shall  have  received  him  as  a  member.  The 
proper  permission,  above  mentioned,  may  only  be 
given  by  the  Lodge  nearest  his  place  of  residence, 
and  in  the  manner  necessary  for  an  election  to 
receive  the  degrees. 

Sec.  20.  No  Lodge,  until  chartered  and  duly  con- 
stituted, shall  be  entitled  to  representation  in  the 
Grand  Lodge;  but  a  Lodge  under  dispensation  may 
send  delegates  thereto,  who  may  be  admitted  to  seats 
and  be  permitted  to  speak,  but  shall  have  no  vote. 

Sec.  21.  The  annual  dues  to  be  collected  by  any 
Lodge  from  members  shall  not  be  less  than  six  dol- 
lars.    (Adopted  1893.) 

ARTICLE    IV. 

Of  the  Dissolution  of  Lodges. 

Section  1.     A  Lodge  may  be  dissolved — ■ 
1st.     By  the  voluntary  surrender  of  its  charter, 
when  such  surrender  shall  have  been  accepted  by  the 
Grand  Lodge;  or 

2d.  By  the  revocation  of  its  charter  by  the  Grand 
Lodge. 

Sec.  2.  The  charter  of  a  Lodge  may  be  surren- 
dered if  notice  shall  be  given  at  a  stated  meeting 
that  a  resolution  to  that  effect  will  be  presented  at 
the  next  succeeding  one,  and  if,  at  such  succeeding 
meeting,  there  shall  not  be  thirteen  members  present 
who  oppose  such  resolution;  but  no  such  act  of  sur- 
render shall  be  considered  final  until  it  shall  have 
been  approved  and  accepted  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 
Sec.  3.  The  charter  of  a  Lodge  may  be  forfeited: 
1st.  By  disobedience  to  any  provision  of  the  Con- 
stitution or  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge; 


(>()  CONSTITUTION — PART    III,    ARTICLE    IV 

2d.  By  disregard  of  the  lawful  authority  of  the 
Grand  Master; 

3d.  By  violation  or  neglect  of  the  ancient  and 
recognized  usages  of  the  Craft; 

4th.  By  receiving  applicants  known  to  be  un- 
worthy, or  refusing  or  neglecting  to  discipline  un- 
worthy members;  or 

5th.  By  failure  to  meet  during  a  period  of  six 
successive  months. 

But  no  charter  shall  be  forfeited  unless  charges 
against  the  Lodge  shall  have  been  presented  to  and 
investigated  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  of  which  charges 
the  Lodge  accused  shall  have  had  due  notice;  though 
the  same  may  be  arrested  until  the  next  Annual 
Communication,  either  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  the 
Grand  Master,  upon  satisfactory  reasons  therefor 
being  shown. 

Sec.  4.  The  forfeiture  or  arrest  of  the  charter  of 
a  Lodge  involves  the  suspension  of  all  its  members 
from  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  except 
those  who  may  be  specially  exempted  from  such 
effect. 

Sec.  5  The  surrender  or  forfeiture  of  the  charter 
of  a  Lodge,  when  declared  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  shall 
be  conclusive  upon  the  Lodge  and  its  members;  and 
all  its  funds,  jewels,  furniture,  dues,  and  property 
of  every  kind  shall  be  disposed  of  as  provided  in 
Sec.  5,  Art.  VIII,  Part  I. 


CONSTITUTION — PART    IV,    ARTICLE    I  67 


PAET    IV. 
Of  the  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 


ARTICLE    I. 
Of  Elections  and  Appointments. 

Section  1.  The  Master,  Wardens,  Treasurer  and 
Secretary  of  each  Lodge  shall  be  elected  annually, 
by  ballot,  at  the  stated  meeting  next  preceding  the 
anniversary  of  Saint  John  the  Evangelist;  and  a 
majority  of  the  votes  of  the  members  present  shall 
be  necessary  to  elect.  They  shall  be  installed  as 
soon  as  practicable  thereafter,  and  shall  hold  their 
respective  offices  until  their  successors  shall  have 
been  duly  elected  and  installed. 

Sec.  2.  In  case  any  Lodge  shall  fail  to  hold  such 
election  at  the  time  above  named,  upon  good  cause 
being  shown  therefor  the  Grand  Master  may  issue 
a  dispensation  to  hold  such  election  at  another  time; 
and  in  case  a  vacancy  shall  at  any  time  occur  in 
cither  of  the  offices  of  Master  or  Warden  in  any 
Lodge,  upon  proper  representation  of  the  necessity 
therefor,  the  Grand  Master  may  issue  a  dispensa- 
tion for  an  election  to  fill  such  vacancy.  But,  in 
either  of  these  cases,  such  dispensation  shall  be 
issued  only  upon  the  application  of  the  Lodge,  set- 
ting forth  the  reasons  therefore,  to  be  approved  by 
two-thirds  of  the  members  present  at  a  stated  meet 
ing,  and  to  be  properly  certified  by  the  Secretary; 
and  of  the  special  election  which  may  thus  be  or- 
dered, the  members  Shall  have  duo  notice. 


68  CONSTITUTION — PART   IV,    ARTICLE    II 

Sec.  3.  None  but  members  in  good  standing, 
whose  dues  are  paid,  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  at  an 
election;  and  every  voter  shall  be  eligible  to  any 
office  in  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  4.  The  Deacons,  Tyler,  and  such  other  sub- 
ordinate officers  as  the  by-laws  of  each  Lodge  may 
designate,  shall  be  appointed  in  such  manner  as  they 
may  direct;  and  the  officers  so  appointed  shall  be 
properly  invested  as  soon  as  practicable  after  their 
appointment. 

ARTICLE  II. 
Of  the  Master. 

Section  1.     The  Master  shall  have  power: 

1st.  To  congregate  his  Lodge  whenever  he  shall 
deem  it  proper: 

2d.  To  issue,  or  cause  to  be  issued,  all  summonses 
or  notices  which  may  be  required: 

3d.  To  discharge  all  the  executive  functions  of 
his  Lodge;  and 

4th.  To  perform  all  such  other  acts,  by  ancient 
usage  proper  to  his  office,  as  shall  not  be  in  contra- 
vention of  any  provision  of  the  Constitution  or 
Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  2.    It  shall  be  his  duty: 

1st.     To  preside  at  all  meetings  of  his  Lodge: 

2d.  To  confer  all  degrees  in  strict  accordance 
with  the  ritual  which  has  been,  or  may  hereafter  be, 
ordained  by  the  Grand  Lodge: 

3d.  To  give,  in  full,  the  lectures  appertaining  to 
each  degree,  at  the  time  it  is  conferred,  in  accord- 
ance with  such  ritual: 

4th.  To  examine  the  record  of  proceedings  nt 
each  meeting  of  his  Lodge,  when  fairly  transcribed 


CONSTITUTION — PART    IV,    ARTICLE    HI  6$ 

by  the  Secretary,  and,  if  found  correct,  subscribe 
his   approval  thereof: 

5th.  To  superintend  the  official  acts  of  all  the 
officers  of  his  Lodge  and  see  that  their  respective 
duties  are  properly  discharged:  and 

6th.  To  carefully  guard  against  any  infraction, 
by  the  members  of  his  Lodge,  of  its  own  by-laws, 
of  the  Constitution  or  Eegulations  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  or  of  the  general  regulations  of  Masonry. 

Sec.  3.  From  the  decisions  of  the  Master  there 
shall  be  no  appeal  to  the  Lodge;  but  objections  to 
such  decisions  may  be  laid  before  the  Grand  Master 
and  by  him  be  dealt  with  in  the  manner  provided 
in  Art.  II,  Part  VI. 

Sec.  4.  In  all  cases  of  a  tie  vote,  except  votes  by 
ballot,  the  Master,  in  addition  to  his  proper  vote, 
may  have  the  casting  vote. 

Sec.  5*  For  the  neglect  or  violation  of  any  duty 
imposed  by  this  Constitution  upon  the  Master  of  a 
Lodge,  he  shall  be  subject  to  deprivation  of  office, 
suspension,  or  expulsion,  as  provided  in  Art.  IT, 
Part  VI. 

AETICLE    III. 
Of   the   Wardens. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Wardens 
to  assist  the  Master  in  the  performance  of  his  duties, 
and  to  discharge  all  those  duties  which  ancient 
usage  has  assigned  to  their  respective  stations. 

Sec.  2.  In  the  abscence  of  the  Master,  the  Senior 
Warden  (and  in  his  absence  also,  the  Junior  War 
den),  shall  succeed  to  and  be  charged  with  all  the 
powers  and  duties  of  the  Master. 


70  CONSTITUTION — PART   IV,    ARTICLE   V 

ARTICLE    IV. 
Of  the  Treasurer. 

Section  1.    It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer: 

1st.  To  receive  and  safely  keep  all  moneys  or 
property  of  every  kind  which  shall  be  placed  in  his 
hands  by  order  of  the  Lodge: 

2d.  To  disburse  or  transfer  the  same,  or  any  part 
thereof,  upon  the  order  of  the  Master  duly  attested 
by  the  Secretary: 

3d.  To  keep  a  book  or  books  wherein  a  correct 
account  of  his  receipts  and  disbursements  shall  be 
exhibited: 

4th.  To  present  a  statement  of  the  finances  of  the 
Lodge  whenever  required:   and 

5th.  To  perform  such  other  duties  appertaining 
to  his  office,  as  the  by-laws  may  require  or  the  Lodge 
may  at  any  time  direct. 

ARTICLE    Y. 

Of  the  Secretary. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary: 
1st.  To  record  all  the  proceedings  at  each  meet- 
ing, which  it  is  proper  should  be  written,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Master,  in  a  Minute  Book,  to  be 
kept  for  that  purpose;  and  to  submit  such  record  to 
the  Lodge,  at  its  next  stated  meeting,  for  approval 
or  correction: 

2d.  To  fairly  transcribe  such  proceedings  from 
the  Minute  Book  to  the  regular  Record  Book,  after 
they  shall  thus  have  been  approved  or  corrected,  and 
present  them  to  the  Master  for  his  approval  and 
signature  when  thus  fairly  transcribed: 


CONSTITUTION — PART    IV,    ARTICLE   V  71 

;>d.  To  prepare  and  transmit  a  copy  of  such 
record,  or  any  part  thereof,  to  the  Grand  Lodge, 
when  required: 

4th.  To  collect  and  receive  all  moneys  due  to  the 
Lodge  and  pay  them  over  to  the  Treasurer: 

5th.  To  keep  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  and  affix  the 
same,  with  his  attestation,  to  all  papers  issued  under 
its  authority  or  in  obedience  to  the  requirements  of 
the  Constitution  and  Regulations  of  the  Grand 
Lodge: 

6th.  To  transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  imme- 
diately after  each  election  and  installation  in  the 
Lodge,  a  certificate  thereof  in  the  form  prescribed 
in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII: 

7.  To  transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary  the  an- 
nual report  required  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  II,  Part  III,  in 
such  form  as  shall  be   provided:    and 

8.  To  report  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  imme- 
diately after  their  occurrence,  all  rejections  for  the 
degrees  expulsions,  suspensions,  and  restorations,  in 
the  forms  provided  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII. 

Sec.  2.  He  shall  keep  the  following  books  of  the 
Lodge,  in  such  forms  as  may  be  provided: 

1st.  A  Eecord  Book,  in  which  he  shall  record  all 
the  transactions  of  the  Lodge  proper  to  be  written, 
after  the  same  shall  have  been  approved: 

2d.  A  Book  of  By-Laws,  for  the  signatures  of 
the  members  in  the  order  of  their  admission,  in 
which  he  shall  see  that  each  member  at  once  signs 
his  name   in  full: 

3d.  A  Roll  Book,  in  which  he  shall  record,  upon 
pages  alphabetically  arranged,  the  full  name  or 
names  of  all  belonging  to  the  Lodge;  the  dates  of 
their  initiation,  passing,  raising,  or  affiliation;  the 
name,  number,  and  location  of  the  Lodges  of  which 


72  CONSTITUTION PART    IV,    ARTICLE    VI 

those  affiliated  last  were  members;  the  age  and 
occupation  of  each  when  received;  and  the  dates  of 
their  withdrawal,  expulsion,  suspension,  death,  or 
restoration:  and 

4th.  A  Eegister,  to  be  kept  in  the  Tyler 's  room, 
in  which  all  members  shall  record  their  names,  and 
all  visitors  shall  record  their  names  and  the  names, 
numbers,  and  locations  of  their  respective  Lodges, 
before   entering  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  3.  He  shall  also  keep  such  Account  Books 
as  may  be  necessary  to  present  clearly  the  account 
of  each  member  with  the  Lodge,  the  receipts  of  the 
Secretary,  and  his  payments  to  the  Treasurer;  and 
shall  preserve  the  Books  of  Constitution  and  Eegu- 
lations  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  which  may  from  time 
to  time  be  published,  together  with  all  the  printed 
Proceedings  thereof  as  promulgated  by  its  order. 

AETICLE    VI. 

Of  the  Appointed  Officers. 

Section  1.  The  Deacons,  Tyler,  and  other  ap- 
pointed officers,  shall  perform  such  duties,  consonant 
with  the  usages  of  the  Craft  and  appertaining  to 
their  respective  offices,  as  may  be  required  by  the 
by-laws  or  directed  by  the  Master. 


CONSTITUTION — PART   V,    ARTICLE    I  73 


PART    V. 
Of  Individual  Masons. 


ARTICLE    I. 
Of  Membership  in  a  Lodge. 

Section  1.  Membership  in  a  Lodge  may  be  ac- 
quired: 

1st.  By  having  regularly  received  the  degree  of 
Master  Mason   therein: 

2d.  By  having  been  duly  elected  for  affiliation 
therewith,  and  complying  with  the  conditions  there- 
of: 

3d.  By  having  been  named  in  a  dispensation  for 
a  new  Lodge  as  one  of  the  petitioners  therefor:  and 

4th.  By  the  consolidation  into  one  Lodge  of  two 
or  more  Lodges,  of  one  of  which  he  was  a  member, 
in  the  manner  prescribed  in  Sec.  11,  Art.  II,  Part 
III. 

Sec.  2.  A  man  elected  to  receive  the  three  de- 
grees in  one  Lodge  may  upon  the  request  of  such 
Lodge  receive  the  degrees,  or  any  of  them,  in 
another  Lodge,  and  if  he  shall  at  the  request  of  such 
Lodge,  and  on  its  behalf,  receive  the  degrees  or 
degree  in  another  Lodge,  no  petition,  reference  or 
ballot  shall  be  necessary  in  the  last-named  Lodge, 
as  the  work  will  be  done  for  the  first,  of  which  he 
will  be  deemed  a  member. 

Sec.  3.  If  a  Mason  shall  have  received  the  first 
degree,  or  the  first  and  second  degrees,  in  one 
Lodge,    and    shall    simply   receive    permission   from 


74 


CONSTITUTION — PART   V,   ARTICLE 


such  Lodge  to  receive  the  remaining  degrees  or  de- 
gree in  another  Lodge,  he  must  petition  the  Lodge 
last  mentioned  for  such  other  degrees  or  degree, 
and  the  petition  shall  be  subject  to  the  usual  refer- 
ence and  ballot.  If  he  be  elected  and  receive  the 
additional  degrees  or  degree,  he  shall  be  deemed  a 
member  of  the  Lodge  in  which  he  received  the 
degree   of   Master  Mason. 

Sec.  4.  No  Mason  shall  be  a  member  of  more 
than  one  Lodge  at  the  same  time. 

Sec.  5.  Membership  in  a  Lodge  can  only  be  ter- 
minated— 

1st.    By  the  dissolution  of  the  Lodge: 

2d.  By  the  consolidation  of  the  Lodge  with  an- 
other Lodge  or  Lodges: 

3d.  By  voluntary  withdrawal  therefrom,  after 
proper  notice  given:  and 

4th.     By  death,  suspension,  or  expulsion. 

Sec.  6.  A  member  of  a  Lodge,  in  good  standing, 
and  whose  dues  are  paid,  may  withdraw  therefrom 
at  any  time  by  giving  notice  of  his  intention  so  to 
do  at  a  stated  meeting,  and  he  may  receive  a  cer- 
tificate of  the  fact  of  such  withdrawal,  in  the  form 
prescribed  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII;  but  no  recom- 
mendatory certificate  shall  be  given  him  except  by 
a  vote  of  a  majority  of  the  members  of  the  Lodge 
then   present. 

Sec.  7.  All  Masons  who  were  members  in  good 
standing  of  a  Lodge  at  the  date  of  the  surrender  of 
its  charter,  and  whose  dues  shall  have  been  paid, 
are  entitled  to  and  may  receive  from  the  Grand 
Secretary  a  certificate  of  that  fact,  which  certifi- 
cate shall  have  the  same  effect  as  the  regular  re- 
commendatory certificate  of  withdrawal  issued  by 
an  existing  Lodge. 


CONSTITUTION — PART    V,    ARTICLE    II  iO 

Sec.  8.  A  member  of  a  Lodge,  who  is  in  good 
standing  and  whose  dues  are  paid,  who  desires  to 
affiliate  with  another  Lodge,  may  apply  for,  and 
receive  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge  of  which 
he  is  a  member,  a  duly  attested  certificate  of  his 
standing  in  the  Lodge.  By  presenting  such  a  cer- 
tificate with  his  petition,  a  member  may  apply  for 
affiliation  with  another  Lodge  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed in  Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III.  If  such  appli- 
cant be  elected  to  affiliate  with  a  Lodge  he  can  be- 
come a  member  thereof,  only,  by  filing  with  its 
Secretary,  at  a  stated  meeting,  the  certificate  of 
his  withdrawal  from  the  Lodge  of  which  he  was 
last  a  member. 

AETICLE    II. 
Of  Duties,  Prohibitions,  and  Liabilities. 

Section  1.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  Master  Mason 
to  be  a  member  of  some  Lodge,  and  every  un- 
affiliated Mason  who,  having  resided  six  months 
within  this  State,  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  make 
application  for  membership  to  some  Lodge  therein, 
shall  be  deemed, unworthy  of  Masonic  consideration 
and  shall  not  be  entitled  to  nor  be  the  recipient  of 
any  of  the  rights,  privileges  or  charities  of  the 
Order. 

Sec.  2.  No  member  of  a  Lodge  shall  be  required, 
requested,  or  allowed  to  divulge  his  vote  upon  a 
ballot  for  affiliation  or  for  the  -degrees  of  Masonry, 
nor  to  assign  reasons  for  such  vote,  if  it  be  known, 
except  to  the  Master,  for  the  purpose  of  correcting 
a  mistake. 

Sec.  3.  No  member  of  a  Lodge,  when  present, 
shall  be  excused  or  permitted  to  refrain  from  voting 


7l>  CONSTITUTION PART    V,    ARTICLE    II 

upon   a  ballot  for   affiliation  or  for  the   degrees  of 
Masonry. 

Sec.  4.  No  Mason  shall  hold  any  Masonic  inter- 
course with  an  expelled  or  suspended  Mason,  with 
:in  illegal  Lodge,  with  any  person  who  has  received 
degrees  therein  or  is  a  member  thereof,  nor  with 
uny  Mason  not  acknowledged  as  such  by  this  Grand 
Lodge. 

Sec.  5.  For  non-payment  of  his  dues  a  member 
may  be  suspended  from  all  the  rights  and  privileges 
of  Masonry,  in  the  manner  provided  in  See.  11,  Art. 
Ill,  Part  III;  but,  in  case  of  the  death  of  a  member 
while  thus  suspended,  if  there  be  no  other  Masonic 
offense  established  against  him,  his  Lodge  may,  in 
its  discretion,  bury  him  with  the  customary  Masonic 
honors. 

Sec.  6.  For  any  violation  of  the  Ancient  Land- 
marks of  the  Order,  of  the  Constitution  or  Eegula- 
tions  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  of  the  By-Laws  of  his 
Lodge,  or  of  any  portion  of  the  Masonic  or  moral 
law,  a  member,  or  any  other  Mason  within  the  juris-  . 
diction  of  a  Lodge,  may  be  reprimanded,  suspended, 
or  expelled,  in  the  manner  provided  in  Art.  IV, 
Part    VI. 


CONSTITUTION — PART    VI,    ARTICLE 


PART    VI. 
Of  Trials,  Appeals,  and  Penalties. 


ARTICLE    I. 
Relative  to  the  Grand  Master. 

Section  1.  Charges  may  be  preferred  against  the 
Grand  Master  for  abuse  of  his  power,  violation  of 
the  Constitution  or  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
or  other  unmasonic  conduct,  by  any  five  Masters  of 
Lodges;  which  charges  shall  be  in  writing  over  their 
signatures,  and  shall  be  presented  to  the  last  Past 
Grand  Master  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  who  may  be 
within  the  State,  and  who  is  a  member  of  a  Lodge 
within    its   jurisdiction. 

Sec.  2.  Upon  the  presentation  of  such  charges,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  such  Past  Grand  Master  to 
transmit  a  copy  thereof  to  the  accused,  if  within  the 
State,  at  least  thirty  days,  and  if  without  the  State, 
at  least  ninety  days  before  the  time  designated  for 
the  trial,  together  with  a  notification  to  attend  at 
such  time  and  place  as  he  may  therein  name,  which 
shall  be  one  most  convenient  for  the  parties;  and 
he  shall  also  summon  four  or  more  other  Past  Grand 
Masters  of  this  State,  who  shall  be  members  of 
Lodges  therein,  to  assemble  with  him  at  the  time 
and  place  designated,  and  shall  notify  the  accused 
thereof.     * 

Sec.  3.  The  tribunal  thus  assembled,  or  any  of 
its  members,  shall  have  power  to  summon  witnesses 


78  CONSTITUTION — PART    VI,    ARTICLE    II 

at  the  request  of  either  party;  it  shall  receive  such 
testimony  as  in  its  judgment  shall  be  proper,  and 
shall  determine  finally  upon  the  guilt  or  innocence 
of  the  accused;  and  the  opinion  of  a  majority  of 
all  its  members  shall  be  the  judgment  of  the  tribu- 
nal and  shall  be  final. 

Sec.  4.  The  only  penalty  inflicted  shall  be  depri- 
vation of  office;  but,  when  thus  deprived,  the  ad- 
judged may  be  amenable  to  his  Lodge  upon  a  charge 
of   unmasonic   conduct. 

Sec.  5.  The  Grand  Secretary  shall  attend  at  the 
trial  to  keep  a  record  of  the  proceedings  and  of  the 
judgment,  which  shall  be  filed  in  his  office  and  shall 
be  presented  at  the  next  Annual  Communication  of 
the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  6.  The  proceedings  at  such  trial,  not  fully 
prescribed  in  this  Article,  shall,  so  far  as  may  be 
applicable,  be  in  conformity  with  the  provisions  of 
Art.  IV,  of  this  Part. 

Sec.  7.  All  necessary  traveling  expenses  of  the 
members  of  such  tribunal  shall  be  paid  by  the  Grand 
Lodge,  in  the  same  manner  as  those  of  Grand  Offi- 
cers attending  its  Communications. 

AETICLE    II. 

Relative  to  Masters  of  Lodges. 

Section  1.  Charges  may  be  preferred  against  the 
Master  of  a  Lodge  for  abuse  of  his  power;  violation 
of  the  Constitution  or  Eegulations,  or  unmasonic 
conduct  of  any  kind,  by  any  five  Master  Masons  in 
good  standing;  which  charges  shall  be  in  writing 
over  their  signatures,  and  shall  be  presented  to  the 
Grand  Lodge,  if  in  session,  or  to  the  Grand  Master 
during  the  vacation. 


CONSTITUTION — PART   VI,    ARTICLE    II  19 

Sec.  2.  Upon  the  presentation  of  such  charges, 
the  Grand  Lodge  or  the  Grand  Master,  as  the  case 
may  be,  may  at  once  appoint  and  summon  not  less 
than  three  nor  more  than  seven  disinterested  breth- 
ren, who  shall  be  either  Masters  or  Past  Masters,  to 
assemble  as  Commissioners  to  hear  and  determine 
thereupon;  and  shall  then  summon  the  accused 
to  appear  and  answer  thereunto,  at  such  time  and 
place  most  convenient  for  the  parties  as  shall  be^ 
indicated  in  said  summons;  giving  him,  if  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  his  Lodge,  at  least  ten  days— if 
without  that  jurisdiction  and  within  the  State,  at 
least  thirty  days — and  if  without  the  State,  at  least 
ninety  days — to  answer  thereunto;  and  transmitting 
to  him  also  a  copy  of  the  charges. 

Sec.  3.  The  Commissioners,  thus  assembled,  shall 
choose  one  of  their  number  to  preside;  and  they,  or 
any  of  them,  shall  have  power  to  summon  witnesses 
at  the  request  of  either  party.  The  witnesses,  if. 
Masons,  shall  testify  upon  their  honor  as  such;  if 
not,  their  depositions  shall  be  taken  in  writing  be- 
fore any  officer  legally  authorized  to  administer 
oaths;  and,  in  such  case,  the  party  requiring  such 
depositions  shall  notify  the  other  of  the  time  and 
place  when  and  where  they  will  be  taken,  that  he 
may,  if  he  choose,  be  present  thereat. 

Sec.  4.  The  Commissioners  may  adjourn  from 
time  to  time,  at  their  own  convenience  or  for  good 
cause  shown  by  either  party;  provided,  that  the 
period  within  which  their  duties  shall  be  concluded 
shall  not  exceed  ten  days,  unless,  for  sufficient  rea- 
sons, the  Grand  Master  shall  grant  them  further 
time. 

Sec.  5.  The  opinion  of  a  majority  of  all  the  Com- 
missioners   shall   be    deemed   the   judgment   of   the 


80  CONSTITUTION PART   VI,    ARTICLE    III 

whole  and  shall  be  conclusive,  unless  an  appeal  be 
taken  at  the  next  Annual  Communication  of  the 
Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  6.  The  penalties  which  may  be  inflicted  by 
such  Commissioners  may  be  either  deprivation  of 
office,  suspension,  or  expulsion,  as  in  their  judgment 
shall  be  deemed  proper. 

Sec.  7.    The  proceedings  at  such  trial,  not  in  this 
^Vrticle  fully  prescribed,  shall,  so  far  as  may  be  ap- 
plicable,  be   in   conformity   with   the   provisions   of 
Art.  IV,  of  this  Part. 

Sec.  8.  The  Commissioners  shall  keep  a  complete 
record  of  their  proceedings  and  of  their  judgment, 
and  shall  transmit  the  same  to  the  Grand  Secretary 
at  the  conclusion  of  the  trial;  and  the  judgment 
shall  at  once  be  carried  into  effect  by  order  of  the 
Grand  Master. 

Sec.  9.  An  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge  may  be 
taken  at  its  next  Annual  Communication,  by  either 
party,  if  notice  thereof  be  given  to  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary within  thirty  days  after  the  conclusion  of  the 
trial. 

ARTICLE    III. 

Relative  to  Lodges. 

Section  1.  When  a  controversy  shall  arise  between 
Lodges,  or  between  a  Lodge  and  a  member  or  mem- 
bers of  another  Lodge,  charges  may  be  preferred  by 
either  party,  if  in  good  standing;  which  charges 
shall  be  in  writing  and  shall  be  presented  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Master,  as  provided  in  Sec.  1, 
Art.  II,  of  this  Part. 

Sec.  2.  Upon  the  presentation  of  such  charges, 
not  less  than  five  nor  more  than  seven  Commission- 
ers shall  be  appointed  and  summoned,  as  provided 


CONSTITUTION — PART   VI,   ARTICLE   IV  81 

in  Sec.  2,  Art.  II,  of  this  Part,  which  Commissioners 
shall  be  Masters  or  Wardens,  and  shall  be  selected 
from  at  least  three  different  Lodges  not  interested 
in  the  controversy  and  most  convenient  to  the 
parties;  and  the  accused  party  shall  be  summoned, 
with  such  time  to  answer  as  provided  in  the  Section 
and  Article  last  quoted. 

Sec.  3.  The  Commissioners  shall  have  power  to 
proceed,  and  shall  keep  a  record  of  their  proceedings 
and  judgment,  in  the  same  manner  as  provided  in 
Art.  EL,  of  this  Part.  The  penalties  which  they  may 
inflict  may  be  any  known  to  Masonic  usage;  or,  if 
the  case  be  one  not  involving  a  violation  of  Masonic 
duty,  the  decision  may  be  such  special  one  as  the 
circumstances   shall,  in  their  judgment,  warrant. 

Sec.  4.  An  appeal  may  be  taken  by  either  party, 
to  the  Grand  Lodge,  as  provided  in  Sec.  9,  Art.  II, 
of  this  Part. 

AETICLE    IV. 
Relative  to  Masons  Individually. 

Section  1.  When  any  member  of  a  Lodge,  (ex- 
cept its  Master  of  the  Grand  Master),  or  any  Mason 
residing  within  its  jurisdiction,  shall  be  accused  of 
unmasonic  conduct,  charges  to  that  effect  may  be 
pref erred  by  any  Master  Mason  in  good  standing; 
which  charges  shall  be  in  writing  over  his  signature, 
and  shall  be  presented  to  the  Master  of  the  Lodge 
having  jurisdiction  thereof. 

Sec.  2.  Upon  the  presentation  of  such  charges,  if 
it  shall  appear  to  the  Master  that  the  act  or  acts 
complained  of  therein  constitute  a  Masonic  offense, 
it  shall  be  his  duty,  by  due  notification,  to  call  a 
special  meeting  of  his  Lodge  as  soon  as  practicable, 
and  there  cause  to  be  elected,  by  ballot  and  by  a 


SB  CONSTITUTION — PART   VI,    ARTICLE    IV 

majority  of  those  present,  not  less  than  seven  nor 
more  than  nine  of  its  members,  who  shall  assemble 
as  Commissioners  to  hear  and  determine  thereupon, 
at  such  time  and  place,  convenient  to  the  parties,  as 
he  shall  indicate;  and  he  shall  also  summon  the  ac- 
cused to  appear  and  answer  thereunto  at  such  time 
and  place,  and  shall,  at  the  same  time,  cause  the 
Secretary  to  furnish  him  with  a  copy  of  the  charges 
and  to  notify  the  accuser  of  the  said  time  and  place 
of  trial. 

Sec.  3.  If  the  accused  be  within  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  Lodge,  the  summons  and  copy  of  the  charges 
shall  be  issued  at  least  ten  days  prior  to  the  day 
appointed  for  the  trial,  and  shall  be  served  person- 
ally by  the  Tyler  or  some  other  member  of  the 
Lodge  authorized  by  the  Master  for  that  purpose,  or 
shall  be  left  at  his  ordinary  residence  or  place  of 
business.  If  he  be  without  the  said  jurisdiction,  but 
within  the  State,  and  his  residence  be, known,  they 
shall  be  issued  at  least  thirty  days  before  the  day 
of  trial,  and  shall  be  forwarded  to  his  address  by  the 
Secretary,  by  mail  or  other  usual  mode  of  convey- 
ance, which  shall  be  deemed  sufficient  service.  If 
lie  be  without  the  State,  and  his  residence  be  known, 
they  shall  be  issued  at  least  ninety  days  before  the 
trial,  and  shall  be  forwarded  to  his  address  by  the 
Secretary,  as  before  provided,  which  shall  be  suffi- 
cient service.  If  his  address  be  unknown,  the 
Master  shall  order  the  trial  to  proceed  at  once  upon 
the  testimony,  ex  parte. 

Sec.  4.  The  Commissioners  shall  assemble  at  the 
time  and  place  appointed  and  shall  be  presided  over 
by  the  Master,  who  shall  decide  all  questions  of 
Masonic  law  which  may  arise  during  the  trial,  but 
shall  have  no  vote  in  the  final  decision  of  the  case 


CONSTITUTION — PART   VI,    ARTICLE    IV  83 

by  the  Commissioners;  and  the  Secretary,  or,  in  his 
absence,  some  other  member  of  the  Lodge  appointed 
for  the  purpose  by  the  Master,  shall  attend  them  to 
keep  a  full  and  correct  record  of  the  proceedings  and 
of  the  judgment,  under  their  supervision. 

Sec.  5.  The  Master  shall,  at  the  request  of  either 
party,  summon  such  witnesses  as  are  Masons,  resid- 
ing within  the  jurisdiction  of  his  Lodge,  to  appear 
and  testify  before  the  Commission.  Whenever  the 
attendance  of  a  witness,  who  is  a  Mason  and  who 
resides  without  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  in 
which  the  trial  is  had,  cannot  be  procured,  his  tes- 
timony may  be  taken  before  the  Master  of  the 
Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction  he  resides,  upon 
such  notice  to  the  adverse  party  as  the  Master  of 
the  Lodge  in  which  the  trial  is  to  be  had  shall  fix, 
and  the  attendance  of  such  witness  may  be  com- 
pelled by  summons.  His  testimony  shall  be  reduced 
to  writing,  signed  by  him,  and  authenticated  by  the 
certificate  of  the  Master  before  whom  it  is  taken, 
under  the  seal  of  his  Lodge.  The  testimony  of  wit- 
nesses who  are  not  Masons  shall  be  taken  by  depo- 
sition before  some  officer  authorized,  by  the  laws 
of  the  State  wherein  he  resides,  to  administer  oaths, 
and  at  such  time  and  place  and  upon  such  notice  to 
the  adverse  party  as  shall  be  designated  by  the  Mas- 
ter, upon  the  application  of  the  party  desiring  the 
testimony;  or  such  testimony  may  be  taken  before 
the  Commissioners,  the  witnesses  having  first  been 
put  under  oath  or  affirmation,  by  some  officer  au- 
thorized by  the  laws  of  this  State  to  administer 
oaths.  Whenever  the  testimony  of  a  witness  resid- 
ing out  of  this  State  is  desired,  it  shall  be  taken 
upon  interrogatories,  direct  and  cross,  agreed  upon 
by  the  parties  or  settled  by  the  Master.     Witnesses 


84  Constitution— part  vi,  article  iv 

who  are  Masons  in  good  standing  shall  testify  upon 
their  honor  as  such;  and  all  others  shall  testify 
under  oath  or  affirmation. 

Sec.  6.  Any  Master  Mason  in  good  standing  may, 
at  the  request  of  the  accuser  or  accused,  appear  as 
his  counsel  and  assist  in  the  prosecution  or  defense. 

Sec.  7.  The  Commissioners  may  adjourn  from 
time  to  time,  at  their  own  convenience  or  for 
sufficient  cause  shown  by  either  party;  provided, 
that  the  period  within  which  their  duties  shall  be 
concluded  shall  not  exceed  ten  days,  unless  for  good 
reasons  shown,  the  Master  shall  grant  them  further 
time. 

Sec.  8.  After  all  the  testimony  shall  have  been 
received,  the  Commissioners  shall  proceed  to  delib- 
erate upon  their  verdict  and  sentence,  with  none 
present  save  themselves,  the  Master,  and  the  Secre- 
tary, which  last  shall  have  no  voice  in  the  proceed- 
ings. The  judgment  of  a  majority  of  all  the  Com- 
missioners shall  be  taken  as  the  decision  of  the 
whole;  and,  when  the  trial  is  concluded,  the  Secre- 
tary shall  make  a  fair  copy  of  the  record  and  find- 
ing, under  their  supervision,  which  shall  be  signed 
by  the  Commissioners,  attested  by  the  Secretary, 
and  presented  to  the  Master,  who,  at  the  next  meet- 
ing of  his  Lodge,  shall,  in  the  presence  of  its  mem- 
bers only,  announce  the  result,  and  direct  the  Sec- 
retary to  record  the  same  as  the  judgment  of  the 
Lodge,  and  file  the  record  for  safe  keeping  among 
its  archives. 

Sec.  9.  The  penalties  which  may  be  inflicted  are 
reprimand  in  open  Lodge,  suspension,  or  expulsion. 
If  the  sentence  be  reprimand,  the  Master  shall  sum- 
mon the  adjudged  to  appear  at  the  next  stated  meet- 
ing,   when    it    shall    be    carried    into    effect    in    the 


CONSTITUTION PART   VI,    ARTICLE    V  C» 

presence  only  of  members  of  the  Lodge,  unless,  be- 
fore the  said  meeting,  legal  notice  shall  have  been 
£iven  of  an  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  in  which 
case  the  sentence  shall  not  be  carried  into  effect 
until  after  a  decision  by  that  Grand  Body  affirming 
the  judgment  of  the  subordinate  Lodge.  If  the  sen- 
tence be  suspension  or  expulsion,  it  shall  at  once  go 
into  effect,  and  the  Secretary  shall  immediately 
notify  the  person  suspended  or  expelled  and  the 
(hand  Secretary  thereof. 

Sec.  10.  An  appeal  may  be  taken  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  by  either  party  at  its  next  succeeding  Annual 
Communication,  but  not  unless  a  notice  of  such  in- 
tended appeal  shall  be  given  to  the  Master,  in  writ- 
ing, within  thirty  days  after  his  announcement  of 
the  result  of  the  trial.  In  all  appealed  cases,  and  in 
nil  cases  of  expulsion  or  suspension,  whether  ap- 
pealed or  not,  the  Master  shall  cause  the  Secretary 
to  prepare  a  transcript  of  the  record  of  trial,  and 
immediately  transmit  it  to  the  Grand  Secretary, 
together  with  information  of  the  appeal  intended,  if 
any  there  be. 

AETICLE    Y. 
Of  Revisions,  Reversals,  and  Restorations. 

Section  1.  All  transcripts  of  trial -records,  re- 
quired to  be  transmitted  to  the  Grand  Secretary, 
shall  by  him  be  forwarded  to  the  Committee  on 
Grievances,  who  shall  examine  them,  with  such  ad- 
ditional evidence  in  writing,  if  any,  as  may  be  pre- 
sented, and  shall  report  thereon  at  the  next  succeed- 
ing Annual  Communication;  and  upon  such  report 
the  Grand  Lodge  may  affirm,  modify,  or  reverse  the 
judgment  of  the  Lodge,  or  may  make  such  other 
order  relative  thereto  as  shall  be  deemed  proper. 


8fi  CONSTITUTION PART   VI,    ARTICLE    V 

Sec.  2.  Whenever  a  judgment  of  suspension  or 
expulsion  shall  be  reversed  and  set  aside  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  the  brother  who  had  been  suspended 
or  expelled  shall  be  at  once  again  entitled  to  all  his 
rights  and  privileges  as  a  member  of  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  3.  All  sentences  of  suspension  shall  be  for 
an  indefinite  period;  and  a  Lodge  may,  at  any  stated 
meeting,  by  the  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
present,  annul  any  such  sentence  of  suspension  pro- 
nounced by  itself,  and  restore  the  Mason  thus  sus- 
pended to  all  his  Masonic  rights  and  privileges; 
provided,  that  notice  of  a  resolution  for  such  restora- 
tion shall  have  been  given  at  the  stated  meeting 
next  preceding.  And,  in  case  of  such  restoration, 
the  Secretary  shall  at  once  notify  the  restored 
party  and  the  Grand  Secretary  thereof. 

Sec.  4.  The  Grand  Lodge  may,  at  any  Annual 
Communication,  if  good  cause  therefor  be  shown 
and  proof  be  given  of  the  notice'  hereinafter  pre- 
scribed, restore  to  the  rights  arid  privileges  of 
Masonry  any  Mason  who  has  been  suspended  or  ex- 
pelled within  its  jurisdiction;  but  such  restoration 
shall  not  restore  him  to  membership  in  the  Lodge 
by  which  he  was  suspended  or  expelled. 

Sec.  5;  Whenever  any  Mason,  suspended  for  un- 
masonic  conduct,  desires  to  petition  the  Grand  Lodge 
for  restoration  to  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
Masonry,  he  shall  first  make  application  for  such 
restoration  to  the  Lodge  by  which  he  was  suspended, 
if  it  still  be  in  existence.  If  his  application  be  there 
refused,  it  may  then  be  made  to  the  Grand  Lodge; 
provided,  that  notice  in  writing,  be  given  to  the 
Lodge  of  such  intended  application,  not  less  than 
forty  days  preceding  the  Annual  Communication. 

Sec.  6.     Whenever  any  expelled  Mason  desires  to 


CONSTITUTION — PART   VI,   ARTICLE   V  oi 

petition  the  Grand  Lodge  for  restoration  to  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  he  shall,  in  writ- 
ing, notify  the  Lodge  which  expelled  him,  if  it  still 
be  in  existence,  of  his  intention  so  to  do,  at  least 
sixty  days  before  the  Annual  Communication  at 
which  his  petition  is  to  be  presented,  accompanying 
said  notice  with  a  copy  of  such  intended  petition; 
and,  before  said  petition  shall  be  considered  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  proof  of  the  giving  of  said  notice  to 
the  Lodge  shall  be  furnished. 

Sec.  .7.  Whenever  any  Lodge  desires  to  petition 
the  Grand  Lodge  for  the.  restoration  of  an  expelled 
Mason  to  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  the 
Master  thereof  shall  give  due  notice  to  all  the  mem- 
bers of  his  Lodge,  so  far  as  practicable,  of  such  in- 
tended action  and  of  the  stated  meeting  at  which  it 
will  be  had;  and  at  such  meeting  he  shall  cause  to 
be  recorded  the  fact  that  such  notice  was  thus  duly 
given.  The  votes  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  pres- 
ent shall  be  required  to  authorize  the  presentation 
of  such  petition  to  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  8.  Non-affiliated  Masons  who,  under  the  pro- 
visions of  Sec.  1,  Art.  II,  Part  V,  are  deemed  to 
occupy  the  same  position  as  those  suspended  for  non- 
payment of  dues,  and  who  desire  to  restore  them- 
selves by  affiliation,  may  do  so  upon  payment  of  a 
sum  equivalent  to  six  months'"  dues  of  the  Lodge  to 
which  they  shall  apply,  which  shall  become  the  prop- 
erty of  the  Lodge  whether  the  applicant  be  elected 
or  rejected,  in  addition  to  the  affiliation  fee,  if  any, 
required  by  the  by-laws,  which  affiliation  fee  shall 
be  returned  if  the  applicant  be  rejected;  provided, 
that  if  any  such  non-affiliated  Mason  shall  refuse  or 
neglect  to  so  apply  for  a  period  of  more  than  two 
years,  he  shall  be  restored  to  Masonic  rights  only 


88  CONSTITUTION — PART    VII,    ARTICLE    I 

upon  his  election  to  membership  by  the  Lodge  to 
which  he  may  apply,  and  if  his  application  be  re- 
jected by  any  Lodge,  such  Lodge  shall  return  to 
him  all  amounts  paid  by  him  at  the  time  of  such 
application. 

Sec.  9  No  suspension,  expulsion,  or  restoration 
shall  be  published  otherwise  than  is  hereinbefore 
provided,  except  by  authority  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
or  by  the  order  of  the  Grand  Master. 


PART    VII. 
Of  Amendments,  Definitions,  and  Forms. 


ARTICLE    I. 
Of  Amendments. 

Section  1.  Any  proposed  amendment  to  this  Con- 
stitution shall  be  presented  at  an  Annual  Communi- 
cation, and  shall  in  all  cases  be  referred  to  the  Com- 
mittee on  Jurisprudence,  who  shall  report  before  a 
vote   thereon  be  taken. 

Sec.  2.  Upon  the  report  of  said  committee,  if 
five-sixths  of  the  votes  shall  be  in  favor  of  such  pro- 
posed amendment,  it  shall  be  declared  adopted;  and, 
from  and  after  the  close  of  that  Communication,  it 
shall  become  a  part  of  the  Constitution. 

Sec.  3.  If  the  vote  in  favor  of  such  proposed 
amendment  be  less  than  that  named  in  the  preced- 
ing section,  but  there  be  a  majority  therefor,  it  shall 
lie  over  for  one  year  and  shall  be  published  with 
the  proceedings,  under  the  caption  of  M  Proposed 
Amendment    to   the    Constitution; '■'   and   if,   at   the 


CONSTITUTION PART   VII,    ARTICLE    II  81 

next  succeeding  Annual  Communication,  it  shall  re- 
ceive two-thirds  of  the  votes  given  thereon,  it  shall 
be  declared  adopted;  and  from  and  after  the  close 
of  that  Communication,  it  shall  become  a  part  of 
the  Constitution. 

Sec.  4.  No  vote  upon  a  proposed  amendment  shall 
be  taken  after  the  election  of  the  Grand  Officers. 

Sec.  5.  All  former  written  Constitutions  of  this 
Grand  Lodge  are  hereby  repealed,  as  are  also  all 
Regulations  or  parts  thereof,  which  are  repugnant 
to  or  inconsistent  with  this  Constitution;  and  no 
regulation  shall  hereafter  be  adopted  which  shall  be 
in  violation  of  or  inconsistent  with  any  of  its  pro- 
visions. 

ARTICLE    II. 
Of  Definitions. 

The  words  and  terms  used  in  this  Constitution 
shall  bear  the  construction  which  is  given  them  in 
the  following  definitions: — 

Grand  Master. — This  title  applies,  not  only  to  him 
who  has  been  elected  and  installed  as  Grand  Master, 
but  to  either  of  the  Grand  Officers  who,  under  the 
provisions  of  Art.  II,  Part  II,  of  this  Constitution, 
shall  have  succeeded  to  the  powers  and  duties  of  the 
Grand  Master. 

Master. — This  title  applies,  not  only  to  him  who 
has  been  elected  and  installed  as  Master,  but  to 
either  of  the  Wardens  who,  under  the  provisions  of 
Art.  Ill,  Part  IV,  of  this  Constitution,  shall  have 
succeeded  to  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  Master. 

Past  Grand  Officer. — This  title  applies  only  to 
one  of  the  seven  elective  Grand  Officers  who  has 
been  regularly  elected  and  installed,  and  has  served 
his    term   as   such   in    this   Grand   Lodge,    and    who 


00  CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    II 

remains  a -member,  in  good  standing,  of  some  Lodge 
under  its  jurisdiction. 

Past  Master. — This  title  applies  only  to  one  who 
has  been  regularly  elected  or  named  in  a  charter  and 
installed  and  has  served  a  term  as  Master  of  a 
chartered  Lodge  within  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
Grand  Lodge  and  who  remains  a  member  in  good 
standing  of  one  of  its  subordinates;  provided,  that 
one  who  has  been  regularly  elected  or  named  in  a 
charter  and  installed  and  has  served  a  term  as 
Master  of  a  chartered  Lodge  within  the  jurisdiction 
of  any  other  Grand  Lodge  recognized  by  this  Grand 
Lodge,  and  who  has  affiliated  with  or  become  a 
member  of  a  subordinate  Lodge  within  this  juris- 
diction and  who  remains  a  member  in  good  standing 
of  one  of  its  subordinates  may  take  the  honorary 
title  of  "Past  Master/ '  but  shall  not  thereby  be- 
come a  member  of  this  Grand  Lodge.  (As  amended, 
1907.) 

Representative. — The  representative  of  a  Lodge 
within  this  State  is  one  who,  being  a  member 
thereof,  in  the  event  that  neither  the  Master  nor 
either  of  the  Wardens  can  be  present  at  the  Grand 
Lodge,  has  been  elected  by  the  Lodge  at  a  stated 
meeting  or  at  a  special  meeting  called  for  that  pur- 
pose, by  ballot,  and  by  a  majority  of  the  votes 
present,  to  represent  it  at  the  next  Annual  Com- 
munication. A  Lodge  without  the  State  may  be 
represented  by  a  member  of  any  Lodge  in  this  juris- 
diction, elected  as  before  prescribed. 

Vacancy. — Vacancies  in  office,  either  in  a  Lodge 
or  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  may  occur  by  death,  depriva- 
tion, resignation,  removal  from  the  jurisdiction,  sus- 
pension, or  expulsion. 

Jurisdiction. — The     jurisdiction     of     the     Grand 


CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    II 


91 


Lodge  includes  all  Lodges  and  Masons  within  the 
territorial  limits  of  this  State,  and  all  Lodges  and 
their  members  without  this  State,  acting  under  its 
authority. 

The  jurisdiction  of  a  Lodge  includes  all  its  own 
members,  wherever  residing,  and  all  Masons  residing 
nearer  to  its  place  of  meeting  than  to  that  of  any 
other  Lodge  within  this  State,  except  in  towns  or 
cities  where  more  than  one  Lodge  exists,  in  which 
case  each  of  such  Lodges  has  separate  jurisdiction 
over  its  own  members,  and  concurrent  jurisdiction 
over  all  Masons,  not  members  of  one  of  such  Lodges, 
who  reside  in  such  town  or  city,  or  nearer  thereto 
than  to  any  other  place  where  a  Lodge  exists. 

^Regulation. — By  a  regulation  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
is  meant  any  resolution,  edict,  law,  or  ordinance  of 
any  kind  whatever,  other  than  the  Constition,  which 
it  may  adopt.  § 

Suspension. — The  suspension  of  a  Lodge  is  an  ar- 
rest of  its  charter  and  a  temporary  prohibition  to 
assemble  or  work  as  a  legal  Lodge,  until  again 
authorized  so  to  do  by  competent  authority;  and  the 
act  suspends  all  its  members  except  those  especially 
exempted  from  its  effects. 

The  suspension  of  a  Master  of  a  Lodge  is  a  tem- 
porary deprivation  of  his  office,  and  prohibits  all 
recognition  of  him  in  that  capacity  until  he  be  re- 
stored by  competent  authority. 

The  suspension  of  a  Mason  is  a  temporary  depriva- 
tion of  all  his  rights  and  privileges  as  such,  and  pro- 
hibits all  Masons  and  Lodges  from  holding  any 
Masonic  intercourse  with  him  until  he  shall  be 
legally  restored  in  the  manner  hereinbefore  pre 
scribed. 

Expulsion. — The     expulsion     of    a    Mason    is    the 


92  CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    II 

highest  penalty  known  to  Masonic  law.  It  is  an 
absolute  deprivation  of  all  the  rights  and  privileges 
of  the  Order,  and  prohibits  all  Masons  and  Lodges 
from  holding  any  Masonic  intercourse  with  him 
forever,  unless  he  be  restored  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Notification. — A  notification,  or  notice,  is  a  call 
issued  by  the  Secretary,  by  order  of  the  Lodge  or 
Master,  or  by  other  competent  authority  as  herein- 
before provided,  to  attend  for  some  specific  purpose 
at  the  time  and  place  therein  indicated,  or  to  per- 
form some  specific  duty  therein  set  forth;  and  it  is 
the  duty  of  every  Mason  to  comply  with  its  direc- 
tion if  he  can,  without  great  inconvenience,  do  so. 
It  shall  be  either  written  or  printed,  and  shall, 
when  practicable,  be  personally  served  upon  the 
brother  to  be  notified  by  a  Tyler  or  some  other 
Mason  properly  deputed  for  the  purpose.  If  this 
cannot  conveniently  be  done,  it  shall  be  left  at  the 
residence  or  usual  place  of  business  of  such  brother, 
or,  if  such  residence  or  place  of  business  is  distant 
or  unknown,  it  may  be  placed  in  the  post-office, 
addressed  to  him  at  his  last  Known  place  of  resi- 
dence; and  this  shall  be  deemed  due  and  sufficient 
service. 

Summons. — A  summons  is  an  imperative  order, 
issued  by  the  Master  of  a  Lodge  and  attested  by  its 
Secretary,  or  by  other  competent  authority  as  here- 
inbefore provided,  to  appear  at  such  time  and  place 
as  may  be  therein  designated.  The  obligation  to 
obey  it  is  absolute  and  the  penalty  for  disobedience 
shall  be  expulsion,  unless  it  shall  be  shown  that  such 
disobedience  was  unavoidable  or  was  occasioned  by 
some  pressing  necessity. 

Stated  Meeting. — The  stated  meeting  of  a  Lodge 
is    the    one    only    meeting   in    eneh    lunar    month    at 


CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    III  93 

which  business  may  be  done,  with  the  exceptions 
specified  in  Sec.  2,  Art.  II,  Part  III.  It  shall  be 
designated  as  such  in  the  by-laws  of  each  Lodge,  and 
no  adjourned  or  called  meeting  shall  ever  be  con- 
sidered as  a  part  of  such  stated  meeting. 

AETICLE    III. 

Of  Forms  for  Various  Purposes. 

Certificate  for  a  Diploma  for  a  Master  Mason. 

Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M., 

A.  L.,  59 

To  the  Very  Worshipful 

Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Cali- 
fornia:— 

I  hereby  certify  that  Brother is  a  Master 

Mason  and  a  member  of  this  Lodge,  in  good  stand- 
ing; and  as  such  he  is  hereby  recommended  for  a 
Grand  Lodge  Diploma,  upon  payment  of  the  usual 
fees. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  the 
[Seal.]        Lodge    aforesaid,    at    the    date    above 
written. 

v ,  Secretary; 


Certificate  for  Diploma  for  Benefit  of  Family  of  a 
Deceased  Brother. 

Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M., 

A.  L.  59 

To  the  Very  Worshipful 

Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Cali- 
fornia:— 

I  hereby  certify  that  Brother ,  who  died  at 

,  on  the day  of .,  A.  L.  59 , 


94  CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    III 

was,  at  the  date  of  his  decease,  a  Master  Mason  and 
a  member  of  this  Lodge,  in  good  standing;  and  that 
he  left  (here  insert  "a  widow,' '  "a  child"  or 
"children"  or  any  of  them,  as  the  case  may  be)  for 
whose  benefit  a  Grand  Lodge  Diploma  is  desired. 

Given  by  order  of  our  Lodge  aforesaid,  at 
[Seal.]        the  date  first  above  written,  as  witness 
my  hand  and  the  seal  thereof. 
,  Secretary. 


Petition  for  a  Dispensation  to  Form  a  New  Lodge. 

To  the  Most  Worshipful 

Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  California: — 

The  petition  of  the  undersigned  respectfully  repre- 
sents that  they  are  Master  Masons  in  good  standing; 
that  they  were  last  members  of  the  respective  Lodges 
named  opposite  their  several  signatures  hereunto 
as  will  appear  from  the  dimit  of  each  of  the  peti- 
tioners, herewith  transmitted;  that  they  reside  in  or 

near  the of ,  in  the  county  of , 

in  the  State  of  California;  that  among  them  are 
a  sufficient  number  of  brethren  well  qualified  to  open 
and  hold  a  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  and 
to  discharge  all  its  various  duties  in  the  three  de- 
grees of  Ancient  Masonry,  in  accordance  with  es- 
tablished usage;  and  that,  having  the  prosperity  of 
the  Craft  at  heart  and  being  desirous  to  use  their 
best  endeavors  for  the  diffusion  of  its  beneficient 
principles,  they  pray  for  a  Dispensation  empowering 
them  to  form,  open,  and  hold  a  regular  Lodge,  at 

the of aforesaid,  to  be 

called Lodge. 

They  have  nominated  and  respectfully  recommend- 
ed Brother as  the  first  Master, 


CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    III 


95 


Brother as  the  first  Senior  Warden, 

and  Brother as  the  first  Junior  Warden 

or*  the  said  Lodge,  they  being  each,  in  all  respects, 
competent  to  perform  all  the  duties  of  either  of  the 
stations  for  which  they  are  severally  proposed;  and, 
if  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners  be  granted,  they 
promise  in  all  things  strict  obedience  to  the  com- 
mands of  the  Grand  Master,  and  undeviating  con- 
formity to  the  Constitution  and  Eegulations  of  the 
Grand  Lodge. 

Dated  at ,  on  the day  of , 

A.  L.  59 


•Signature 


Name  and  No.  of  Lodge 


State  or  Country 


Recommendation  of  a  Petition  for  the  Formation  of 
a  New  Lodge. 

Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M., 

A.  L.  59... 

To  the  Most  Worshipful 

Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  California: — 
At  a  stated  meeting  of  this  Lodge,  held  at  the  date 
above  written,  the  following  preamble  and  resolution 
were  adopted: — 

"Whereas,  a  petition  for  the  issue  of  a  Dispensa- 
tion to  form  and  open  a  new  Lodge  at ,  in  the 


*These   signatures  must  give  all  the   names  of  each  peti- 
tioner,   in    full. 


96  CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    III 

county  of ,  has  been  presented  to  this 

Lodge  for  its  recommendation.     And  whereas,  it  is 
known  to  this  Lodge  that  the  signers  to  said  petition, 

in  number,  are  all  Master  Masons  in  good 

standing,  and  that  a  safe  and  suitable  Lodge-room 
has  been  provided  by  them  for  their  meetings;  it  is 
"Resolved,  That  the  establishment  of  said  new 
Lodge  is  of  manifest  propriety  and  will  conduce  to 
the  good  of  the  Order;  and  that  this  Lodge  recom- 
mends to  the  Grand  Master  the  granting  of  the  Dis- 
pensation prayed  for  in  said  petition. " 
A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set 
[Seal.]        my  hand  and  affixed  the  seal  of  our 
Lodge    aforesaid,    at    the    date    above 
written. 
Secretary. 


Certificate  of  Qualification  of  Officers  Proposed  for  a 
New  Lodge. 

To   the  Most  Worshipful 

Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  California: — 

The  petition  of brethren,  residing  at  the 

of ,  in  the  county  of ,  praying  the 

Grand  Master  for  a  Dispensation  to  open  and  hold  a 

new  Lodge  at  said ,  to  be  called, Lodge, 

having  been  presented  to  me;  and  Brothers , 

and ,  being  recommended  therein  for 

nomination,  respectively,  as  Master,  Senior  Warden, 
and  Junior   Warden   of   said   proposed   new  Lodge; 

now  I, ,  Master  of Lodge, 

No ,  do  hereby  certify  that,  to  my  positive 


CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    III  97 

knowledge,  each  of  said  brethren  is  fully  competent 
properly  to  confer  the  three  degrees  of  Masonry  and 
to  deliver  entire  the  several  lectures  thereunto 
appertaining.. 

Given  at ,  in  the  county  of , 

this day  of ,  A.  L.  59.— 

[Seal.]  Master. 


Petition  for  a  Charter. 

To  the  M.'.W.*. Grand  Lodge  of  California:— 

The  undersigned  respectfully  represent  that  on  the 

day  of ,  A.  L.  59 ,  a  Dispensation 

was  issued  by  the  Grand  Master  for  the  formation  of 

a  new  Lodge  at ,  in  the  county  of , 

by  the  name  of Lodge;  that  on  the 

day  of ,  next  ensuing,  said  Lodge  was 

opened  and  organized,  and  has  since  continued  suc- 
cessfully to  work  during  the  period  named  in  said 
Dispensation,  as  will  appear  from  its  records,  by- 
laws, and  returns,  herewith  presented;  and  that  it 
is  the  anxious  desire  of  the  members  of  said  Lodge 
that  its  existence  be  perpetuated. 

They  therefore  pray  that  a  Charter  be  granted  to 

said  Lodge  by  the  name  of Lodge,  with 

such  number  as  the  usage  of  the  Grand  Lodge  may 

assign  it,  and  recommend  that  Brother be 

named  therein  as  Master,  Brother as  Senior 

Warden,  and  Brother as  Junior  Warden; 

promising  as  heretofore,  strict  obedience  to  the  com- 
mands of  the  Grand  Master,  and  undeviating  con- 
formity to  the  Constitution  and  Eegulations  of  the 
GFrand   Lodge. 


08  CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    III 

Given  by  instruction  from  and  on  behalf  of  said 

Lodge,  at ,  this day  of , 

A.  L.  59 


Delegates. 


Notice  of  Rejections,  Suspensions,  Expulsions,  and 
Restorations. 

Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M., 

A.  L.  59.... 


To  the  Very  Worshipful , 

Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Cali- 
fornia:— 

I  hereby  certify  that,  at  a  stated  meeting  of  this 
Lodge,  held  at  the  date  above  written,  the  petition 

of ,  an  applicant  for  the  degrees  of 

Masonry,  was  rejected. 

(Or,  I  hereby  certify  that,  at  a  stated  meeting  of 

this  Lodge,  held  at  the  date  above  written,  Bro , 

after  due  notice  as  prescribed  in  the  Constitution, 
was  declared  to  be  suspended  from  all  the  rights 
and  privileges  of  Masonry,  for  non-payment  of  dues.) 

(Or,  I  hereby  certify  that,  at  a  stated  meeting  of 

this  Lodge,  held  at  the  date  above  written,  Bro , 

after  due  trial  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  the  Con- 
stitution, was  declared  to  be  suspended  from  all  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry  for  unmasonic 
conduct.) 

(Or,  I  hereby  certify  that,  at  a  stated  meeting  of 

this  Lodge,  held  at  the  date  above  written,  Bro , 

after  due  trial  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  the  Con- 
stitution, was  declared  to  be  expelled  from  all  the 


CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE   III  OT 

rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  for  unmasonic 
conduct.) 

(Or,  I  hereby  certify  that,  at  a  stated  meeting  of 

this  Lodge,  held  at  the  date  above  written,  Bro , 

heretofore  suspended  by  it  for  non-payment  of  dues, 
having  paid  up  (or  received  a  remission  of)  all 
arrearages,  as  provided  in  the  Constitution,  resumed 
his  rights  and  privileges  as  a  Mason  and  a  member 
of  this  Lodge.) 

(Or,  I  hereby  certify  that,  at  a  stated  meeting  of 

this  Lodge,  held  at  the  date  above  written,  Bro , 

heretofore  by  it  suspended  for  unmasonic  conduct, 
was,  by  a  two-thirds  vote,  in  the  manner  prescribed 
in  the  Constitution,  restored  to  all  his  rights  and 
privileges  as  a  Mason  and  as  a  member  of  this 
Lodge.) 

'  Given  under  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  our 
Lodge  aforesaid. 
[Seal.]  ,  Secretary 


Notice  of  Special  Meeting  to  Elect  Trial  Com- 
missioners. 

Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M., 

A.  L.  59... 

Bro , 

You  are  hereby  notified  to  attend  a  special  meet- 
ing of  this  Lodge,  to  be  holden  on  the.— day  of , 

A.  L.  59....,  at  o'clock  M.,  for  the  purpose 

of  electing  Commissioners  to  try  a  brother  upon  a 
charge  of  unmasonic  conduct  preferred  against  him 
by  a  Master  Mason  in  good  standing. 

By  order  of  the   Master,  as  witness  my 
[Seal.]       signature  and  the  seal  of  our  Lodge. 
,  Secretary. 


100  CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    III 

Certificate  of  Withdrawal  without  Recommendation. 

To  all  whom  it  may  concern:— 

This  is  to  certify  that  Brother ,  hereto- 
fore a  member  of  our Lodge,  No ,  F. 

and  A.  M.,  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  State  of  California,  has  paid  his  dues  in 
full  and  has  this  day  withdrawn  from  membership  in 
said  Lodge. 

Given  at  the  Hall  of  our  Lodge  aforesaid, 

at ,  in  the  county  of , 

[Seal.]       State  of  California,  this day  of 

A.  L.  59....,  as  witness  my  hand,  the 
seal  of  our  Lodge,  and  the  attestation 
of  our  Secretary. 

,  Master. 

Attest,  > ,  Secretary. 


Credential  for  a  Representative  Elected  by  a  Lodge. 


..Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M., 

A.  L.  59 


To  the  M.'.W.'.  Grand  Lodge  of  California:  — 

This  is  to  certify  that,  at  a meeting  of  this 

Lodge,  held  at  the  date  above  written,  it  having 
been  made  known  that  neither  the  Master  nor  either 
of  the  Wardens  thereof  would  be  enabled  to  attend 
the  Grand  Lodge  at  its  next  Annual  Communica- 
tion,   Bro ,   a  member   of   the   Lodge, 


CONSTITUTION PART    VII,    ARTICLE    III  101 

was,  by  ballot,  duly  elected  to  serve  as  its  Repre- 
sentative  during  said  Communication. 

In    testimony    whereof    I    have    hereunto 

set    my    hand,    and    have    caused    the 

[Seal.]       Secretary    to    affix    the    seal    of     our 

Lodge,  with  his  attestation,  at  the  date 

above  written. 

,  Master 

Attest, ,  Secretary. 


Petition  for  the  Degrees  of  Masonry. 

To  the  Worshipful  Master,  the  Wardens,  and  Mem- 
bers  of Lodge,   No ,   F.   and   A.   M.: — 

The  undersigned  respectfully  represents  that,  un- 
biased by  friends  and  uninfluenced  by  mercenary 
motives,  he  freely  and  voluntarily  offers  himself  as 
a  candidate  for  the  mysteries  of  Masonry;  that  he 
is  prompted  to  solicit  this  privilege  by  a  favorable 
opinion  conceived  of  the  institution,  a  desire  for 
knowledge,  and  a  sincere  wish  to  be  serviceable  to 
his  fellow  creatures;  that  he  has  resided  in  the 
State  of  California  more  than  one  year,  and  at  the 
place  below  named  more  than  six  months,  next 
preceding  the  date  hereof;  that  he  has  not,  within 
twelve  months  past,  been  rejected  by  any  Lodge  of 
Free  and  Accepted  Masons;  and  that  he  promises, 
if  found  worthy,  to  conform  to  all  the  ancient 
nsngos  and  regulations  of  the  Fraternity. 


102  CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,   ARTICLE   III 

His  plaee  of  business  is ,  his  age, 

years,   and  his  occupation, 

(Date,) A.  L.  59... 

*  (Signature,) 

Recommended  by  Bros. 

( (To  be  members 

} of  the  Lodge.) 


Application  for  Affiliation. 

To  th*  Worshipful  Master,  the  Wardens,  and  Breth- 
ren of 

.. Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M.: — 

The  undersigned  respectfully  represents  that  he 
is    a    Master    Mason,    in    good    standing;    that    he 

was  last  a  member  of Lodge,  No , 

in  the of from  which  he  has  honor- 
ably withdrawn,  as  by  the  accompanying  certificate 
will  appear;  and  that  he  now  desires,  if  found 
worthy,  to  become  a  member  of  your  Lodge. 

His  place  of  residence  is ,  his  age, 

years,  and  his  occupation, 

(Date,) A.   L.   59 

*  (Signature,) 

Recommended  by  Bros. 

j    (To  be  members 

( of  the  Lodge.) 


*  The    signatures   must    give    all    names    of   the    subscriber 
in  full. 


CONSTITUTION PART    VII,    ARTICLE    III  103 


Certificate  of  Membership. 

Lodge,  No ,   F.   and   A.   M. 

To  the  Master,  Wardens,  and  Brethren  of 

Lodge,  No : 

This  is  to  certify  that  Brother , 

a  member  in  good  standing  of  this  Lodge,  having 
made  application  for  a  Dimit,  and  notice  having 
been  received  that  said  brother  has  petitioned  your 
Lodge  for  affiliation  therein,  a  Dimit  will  be 
granted,  upon  the  condition  that  said  brother  shall 
consummate  said  affiliation.  Of  which  action  you 
will  give  this  Lodge  timely  notice;  and  in  the  event 
of  failure  to  consummate  such  affiliation,  this  cer- 
tificate of  membership  is  to  be  returned  to  this 
Lodge. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  the 

Lodge    at 

[Seal.]      this day    of 

A.  L.  59 

,  Secretary. 


Certificate  of  Election,  Appointment,  and  Installa- 
tion of  Officers. 

Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M., 

A.  L.  59.... 

To   the  Very  Worshipful 

Grand  Secretary  of  the   Grand  Lodge  of  Cali- 
fornia:-— 

I   hereby  certify  that,   at   the   stated   meeting  of 
this  Lodge,  held  on  the  day  above  written,  it  being 


104  CONSTITUTION PART    VII,    ARTICLE    III 

that  next  preceding  the  anniversary  of  St.  John  the 
Evangelist,  the  following  officers  were  duly  elected 
for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year,  viz.: — 

•  Bro ,  Master 

Bro ,  Sen.  Warden 

Bro ,  Jun.  Warden, 

Bro. ,  Treasurer, 

Bro ,  Secretary; 

That,  on  the day  of ,  A.  L.  59....,  the 

following  officers  were  duly  appointed  to  serve  for 
the  ensuing  Masonic  year,  viz.: — 

Bro ,*Chaplain, 

Bro ,  Sen.  Deacon, 

Bro ,  Jun.  Deacon, 

Bro ,*Marshal, 

Bro ,  Tyler; 

And  that,  on  the day  of A.  L.  59...., 

the  said  officers'  were  duly  installed  by  (here  give 
the  name  and  Masonic  title  of  the  installing 
officer.) 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  our 
[Seal.]       Lodge,  on  the  day  last  above  written. 

,  Secretary. 


*  The  Constitution  does  not  make  the  appointment  of 
these  officers  obligatory,  hut  permits  By-Laws  of  Lodges 
to   authorize   it. 


CONSTITUTION — PART   VII,    ARTICLE    III  105 

Recommendatory  Certificate  of  Withdrawal  (Dimit) 

To  all  Ancient,  Free,  and  Accepted  Masons, 
Wheresoever  dispersed  around  the  Globe,  Greeting: 

This  is  to  certify  that  Brother , 

whose  signature  appears  in  the  margin  hereof,  is 
a  Master  Mason  in  good  standing,  and  was,  until 

this  date,  a  member  of  our Lodge, 

No ,  F.  and  A.  M.,  under  the  jurisdiction  of 

the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  of  California. 
Having  paid  all  dues,  and  being  in  good  fellow- 
ship with  the  brethren,  he  has  voluntarily  with- 
drawn from  our  said  Lodge;  and  now,  by  its 
order,  receives  this  certificate,  recommending 
him  to  the  fellowship  and  good  will  of  the  Fra- 
ternity wherever  he  may  be. 

Given   at   the  Hall   of   our  Lodge 

aforesaid,  at ,  in  the  County 

of ,  in  the  State  of  California, 

this day  of ,  A.  L.  59...., 

as  witness   my  hand,   the   seal  of   our 
Lodge,  and  the  attestation  of  our  Sce- 
8        [Seal.]     retary. 

,  Master. 

■*   Attest,    Secretary. 


GENERAL  REGULATIONS 

As  Remaining  after  the  Revision  of  the  Constitu- 
tion, in  October,  1883. 


1.  This  Grand  Lodges  recognizes  no  degree  of 
Past  Master  conferred  by  any  authority  not  holden 
under  a  legitimate  Grand  Lodge — acknowledging 
only  the  Order  of  that  name  as  it  exists  in  the  cere- 
monies attending  the  installation  of  the  Master- 
elect  of  a  chartered  Lodge;  which  Order  shall  be 
conferred  only  by  a  convocation  of  Masters  or  Past 
Masters,  not  less  than  three  in  number,  who  have 
thus  regularly  received  it.     (1855,  1859.) 

2.  All  Masonic  communication  between  the 
Lodges  and  Masons  of  this  jurisdiction  and  those 
acknowledging  allegiance  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Hamburg  is  hereby  forbidden  while  that  body  shall 
continue  its  unlawful  and  reprehensible  invasion  of 
the  jurisdictional  rights  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
New  York.  (1885,  1859.)  (Repealed,  1907,  and 
friendly  relations  have  again  been  established.) 

3.  Such  standard  of  revenue  shall  be  continued 
hereafter  as  will  afford  an  annual  excess  over  the 
current  expenditures  of  at  least  one  thousand  dol- 
lars; which  excess  shall  each  year  be  set  aside  as 
an  accumulating  fund,  to  be  known  as  the  "Re- 
serve Fund, "  which  shall  be  kept  and  increased  for 
purposes  of  emergency,  and  shall  only  be  drawn 
upon  therefor.     It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand 


GENERAL    REGULATIONS  107 

Treasurer  to  judiciously  invest  all  moueys  set  aside 
for  such  fund,  and  all  moneys  accruing  from  the  in- 
terest on  such  investments,  and  to  report  the  exact 
condition  thereof  to  the  Grand  Lodge  on  the  first 
day  of  each  Annual  Communication;  and,  for  its 
safe  keeping  and  proper  disbursement  he  shall  be 
responsible  on  his  official  bond.  (1856,  1859,  1869, 
1879.)      (Eepealed,  Oct.,   1902.) 

4.  No  Lodge  under  this  jurisdiction  shall  be 
allowed  to  transact  business,  other  than  the  confer- 
ring of  degrees,  with  a  less  number  than  seven  of 
its  members  present.     (1859.) 

5.  The  Grand  Secretary  is  authorized  to  charge 
the  sum  of  one  dollar,  for  the  use  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  for  each  copy  of  its  printed  proceedings  for 
the  current  year,  other  than  the  four  copies  to  be 
sent  to  each  subordinate  Lodge,  and  those  required 
for  transmission  abroad,  for  future  binding,  and  for 
the  use  of  the  Grand  Lodge  at  its  next  succeeding 
Annual  Communication.      (1859.) 

6.  All  Masons,  heretofore  stricken  from  the  rolls 
of  Lodges  within  this  jurisdiction  for  non-payment 
of  dues,  who  have  not  been  reinstated,  are  hereby 
declared  to  be  suspended,  as  provided  in  Sec.  11, 
Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution.     (1859.) 

7.  In  addition  to  the  dues  prescribed  in  the  Con- 
stitution, there  shall  be  levied  hereafter  upon  the 
subordinate  Lodges,  for  each  Master  Mason  whose 
name  is  borne  upon  their  rolls  at  the  date  of  the 
annual  returns,  such  sum  as  the  Grand  Lodge  shall 
prescribe  at  each  Annual  Communication,  which 
shall  constitute  a  special  fund  to  be  denominated 
"The  Eepresentative  Fund;"  and  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  several  Lodges  to  pay  the  said  sum  at 
the  time  and  in  the  manner  directed  in  the  Consti- 


108  GENERAL    REGULATIONS 

tution  for  the  payment  of  their  annual  dues.   (1861, 
1865,  1873.) 

8.  At  the  close  of  each  Annual  Communication, 
a  committee,  to  be  known  as  the  ' '  Committee  on 
Pay  of  Members''  and  to  consist  of  five,  shall  be 
appointed  by  the  Grand  Master,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  ascertain,  during  the  year  succeeding,  the 
exact  cost  of  transportation  for  one  person  from 
the  location  of  each  Lodge  in  the  State  to  the  place 
of  meeting  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  back  again; 
and,  at  the  following  Annual  Communication,  to 
report  such  cost  of  transportation  as  the  sum  due 
to  the  officers  or  representatives  in  attendance  from 
each  Lodge,  which  sum  shall  be  paid  by  the  Grand 
Treasurer,  such  report  being  his  voucher  therefor. 
But  no  payment  shall  be  allowed  for  the  officers  or 
representatives  of  any  Lodge,  the  dues  of  which 
shall  not  have  been  paid  in  full.     (1861,  1873,  1879.) 

9.  The  appointed  Grand  Officers  and  Chairmen 
of  standing  committees  shall  receive  payment  for 
their  necessary  expenditures  for  transportation  to 
and  from  each  Annual  Communication  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  in  the  same  manner  as  ordered  for  the 
officers  or  representatives  of  Lodges;  but  no  Grand 
Officer,  Chairman,  or  officer  or  representative  of  a 
Lodge,  shall  receive  such  payment  in  more  than  one 
of  those  capacities,  nor  shall  he  receive  it  unless 
he  shall  have  been  in  attendance  at  such  Communi- 
cation from  the  first  to  the  last  day  thereof,  in- 
clusive, unless  excused  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  (1.861, 
1863,  1873.) 

10.  The  work  and  lectures  presented  by  the 
committee  appointed  for  their  examination  and  re- 
vision, are  approved,  adopted,  and  made  obligatory 
upon  all  Lodges  within   this  jurisdiction;    and   any 


GENERAL    REGULATIONS  109 

Lodge  which  shall  have  had-  the  opportunity  to 
obtain  instruction  therein,  and  shall  neglect  or  re- 
fuse to  learn  and  use  the  same,  shall,  upon  repre- 
sentation of  that  fact  to  the  Grand  Master,  be 
liable  to  the  arrest  of  its  charter,  if,  in  his  discre- 
tion, he  shall  think  it  proper.      (1864,  1865.) 

11.  The  person  who  desires  to  be  made  a  Mason 
must  be  a  man;  no  woman  nor  eunuch;  free  born, 
being  neither  a  slave  nor  the  son  of  a  bond  woman; 
a  believer  in  God  and  a  future  existence;  of  moral 
conduct;  capable  of  reading  and  writing;  having  no 
maim  or  defect  in  his  body  that  may  render  him 
incapable  of  learning  the  art,  and  physically  able  to 
conform  literally  to  what  the  several  degrees  re- 
spectively  require   of   him. 

12.  No  Lodge'  under  this  jurisdiction,  located 
beyond  the  limits  of  this  State,  shall  receive  any 
allowance  for  the  expenses  of  a  representative  to 
this  Grand  Lodge;  nor  shall  any  such  Lodge  be 
chargeable  with  dues  on  account  of  the  Eepresen- 
tative  Fund.      (1867.) 

13.  All  Masonic  intercourse  between  this  Grand 
Lodge  and  the  Grand  Orient  of  France  is  hereby 
suspended,  and  the  Lodges  and  Masons  of  this 
jurisdiction  are  forbidden  to  recognize  or  hold  com- 
munication with  any  brother  who  hails  from  or 
acknowledges  allegiance  to  the  Grand  Orient  of 
France,  so  long  as  that  body  continues  its  unlawful 
and  reprehensible  invasion  of  the  jurisdictional 
rights  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Louisiana.     (1869.) 

14.  Each  Lodge  within  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
Grand  Lodge,  so  far  as  it  is  able  so  to  do,  shall  see 
that  the  needy  of  its  own  membership  and  neigh- 
borhood are  not  made  a  burden  to  others.     (1871.) 

15.  The  Grand  Master  shall  appoint  for  each  dis- 


110  GENERAL    REGULATIONS 

trict  an  officer,  to  be  called  Inspector,  who  shall  be 
a  resident  of  the  district  for  which  he  is  appointed, 
and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  visit  each  Lodge  in 
his  district  whenever  desired  by  any  Lodge,  or 
whenever  he  may  deem  it  necessary  for  the  faithful 
performance  of  his  duties;  to  inspect  the  work,  and, 
if  necessary,  correct  the  same  in  accordance  with 
the  work  as  adopted  by  this  Grand  Lodge;  and  to 
report  the  working  condition  of  each  Lodge  in  his 
district  to  the  Grand  Lecturer  on  or  before  the  first 
day  of  September  in  each  year;  and  further,  to  ex- 
amine the  records  and  all  the  books  of  each  Lodge, 
and  the  manner  of  transacting  its  business,  with 
reference  to  its  conformity  to  our  Constitution  and 
Regulations,  and  report  thereon  to  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter at  the  same  time.  Each  Lodge  shall  pay  such 
necessary  expenses  of  the  Inspector  as  may  be  in- 
curred in  performing  the  duties  of  the  visitation 
herein  required.     (1870,  1871,  1874,  1878,  1879.) 

16.  No  Master  of  a  Lodge  shall  be  installed 
until  he  shall  have  produced  to  the  installing  officer 
the  certificate  of  the  Grand  Lecturer,  or  of  the  In- 
spector of  the  District  in  which  such  Lodge  is  sit- 
uated, that  he  is  qualified  to  give  the  work  and 
lectures  entire  in  the  three  degrees;  and  such  cer- 
tificate, indorsed  by  the  installing  officer,  shall  be 
forwarded  by  him  to  the  Grand  Lecturer,  to  be  kept 
on  file  in  his  office.  (Eepealed,  October,  1894.)  See 
Regulation  No.  56. 

17.  No  dispensation  shall  hereafter  be  granted  to 
any  Lodge  which  shall  have  adopted  the  name  of 
a  living  person.     (1873.) 

18.  Whenever  an  appeal  shall  be  taken  from 
the  judgment  of  a  subordinate  Lodge  upon  the 
report  of  trial-Commissioners,  any  and  all  additional 


GENERAL    REGULATIONS  1  I  L 

evidence,  which  either  the  accuser  or  accused  shall 
desire  to  have  heard  on  the  appeal,  shall  be  taken 
and  reduced  to  writing  within  sixty  days  from  the 
day  on  which  the  announcement  of  the  result  of  the 
trial  shall  be  made  by  the  Master  to  the  Lodge,  and 
all  arguments  and  representations  which  it  is  de- 
sired to  have  considered  on  the  appeal  shall  also  be 
reduced  to  writing;  and  no  additional  evidence,  ar- 
guments, or  representations  shall  be  considered  on 
the  appeal  unless  the  same  shall  be  reduced  to  writ- 
ing and  transmitted  to  the  Grand  Secretary  at  least 
sixty  days  before  the  commencement  of  the  next 
Annual  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  (1874.) 

19.  The  Lodge  conducting  the  ceremonies  at  a 
funeral  will  occupy  the  post  of  honor,  and  will 
assign  such  positions  to  other  societies  that  may 
join  in  the  procession  or  ceremonies  as  the  circum- 
stances of  the  case  may  seem  to  render  proper.  The 
members  of  a  Lodge  may  join  in  the  procession,  as 
citizens,  when  the  ceremonies  are  conducted  by 
other  organizations,  but  the  Lodge  can  only  appear 
on  such  occasions  when  the  ceermonies  are  under  its 
•direction.      (1877.) 

20.  The  election  of  Grand  Officers  shall  be  the 
first  business  of  the  Grand  Lodge  on  the  day  fixed 
therefor  by  the  Constitution,  and  until  the  election 
shall  have  been  concluded  no  other  business  shall 
be  considered.     (1879.) 

21.  All  Lodges  in  this  jurisdiction  are  authori- 
zed to  employ,  in  the  conduct  of  Masonic  trials,  a 
duly  accredited  stenographic  reporter;  Provided, 
That  said  stenographic  reporter  is  a  Master  Mason 
and  that,  before  entering  upon  his  duty  he  shall 
be  qualified  in  the  manner  provided  for  the  qualifi- 
cation of  Masonic  witnesses;  and  provided,  further, 


112  GENERAL    REGULATIONS 

that  said  stenographic  reporter  shall  attest  the 
transcript  of  the  evidence  of  the  respective  wit- 
nesses examined  in  the  course  of  the  trial  prior  to 
signature  by  the  said  witnesses;  and  provided  fur- 
ther, that  the  employment  of  a  stenographic 
reporter  in  any  such  trials  shall  be  optional  with 
the  Master  presiding  at  said  trial.  (As  adopted, 
1907.) 

22.  "Whenever  the  Secretary  of  a  Lodge  fails  to 
forward  to  the  Grand  Secretary  a  certificate  of  the 
election  and  installation  of  its  officers,  within  a 
period  of  twenty  days  after  such  election  and 
installation,  the  amount  which  would  otherwise  be 
allowed  to  the  representative  of  such  Lodge  shall 
be  withheld.      (1880,  1881.) 

23.  No  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  receive  an 
application  for  affiliation  until  the  applicant  shall 
have  proved,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Master  of 
such  Lodge,  that  he  is  a  Master  Mason.     (1880.) 

24.  The  Grand  Lodge  will  not  authorize  or  per- 
mit the  incorporation  of  its  subordinate  Lodges. 
(1881.) 

25.  The  resolution  adopted  in  the  year  1877, 
which  prohibits  the  public  installation  of  the  officers 
of  a  Lodge,  is  now  rescinded;  and  such  public  in- 
stallation may  hereafter  be  allowed.      (1881.) 

26.  Every  transcript  of  a  trial-record,  when  pre- 
pared by  the  Secretary  of  any  subordinate  Lodge  in 
this  jurisdiction,  shall,  before  its  transmission  to 
the  Grand  Secretary,  be  submitted  to  the  Master  of 
the  Lodge,  who  shall  carefully  examine  the  same 
and  see  that  it  complies  with  the  "Form  of  Eec- 
ords  of  Trials  and  Transcripts  thereof, "  heretofore 
adopted  by  this  Grand  Lodge;  that  it  is  fairly  and 
legibly     written,     with     sufficient     spaces     between 


GENERAL    REGULATIONS  113 

papers  and  testimony;  and  that  it  otherwise  com- 
plies with  the  Constitution  and  Regulations  of  the 
Grand  Lodge;  and  said  Master  shall  endorse  his 
approval  thereupon.     (1882.) 

27.  A  certificate  of  qualification  to  a  Master- 
elect  shall  be  issued  only  by  the  Inspector  of  the 
District  within  which  the  Lodge  of  said  Master- 
elect  may  be  located,  after  a  strict  examination; 
provided,  that,  if  from  any  cause,  the  Inspector  of 
that  District  shall  be  unable  to  examine  such  Mas- 
ter-elect, such  examination  may  be  made  by  the 
Grand  Lecturer,  and  the  certificate  of  qualification 
may  be  given  or  refused  by  him.  (Repealed,  Oct., 
1894.) 

28.  When  a  Lodge  fails  to  install  its  officers 
within  a  period  of  sixty  days  subsequent  to  their 
election,  because  of  the  failure  of  the  Master-elect 
to  procure  the  necessary  certificate  of  qualification 
from  the  Inspector  of  his  District,  said  Lodge  shall 
immediately  thereafter  petition  the  Grand  Master 
for  a  special  dispensation  to  hold  an  election  for  a 
Master;  and  the  Master  elected  under  such  dispen- 
sation shall  not  be  the  one  who  had  been  previously 
elected  and  who  had  thus  allowed  it  to  be  shown 
that  he  was  not  able  or  willing  to  qualify  himself 
for  such  certificate.  Provided,  the  Grand  Master 
may,  upon  a  satisfactory  showing,  grant  further 
time  to  the  Master-elect  to  procure  such  certificate. 
(1902.) 

29.  No  Lodge  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
Grand  Lodge  shall  confer  any  degree  of  Masonry 
on   Sunday.      (1882.) 

30.  It  is  the  duty  of  a  Lodge  to  provide  for  the 
necessities   of   the   widows   and   children   of   its  de- 


114  GENERAL   REGULATIONS 

ceased   members   without  regard   to   their   place   of 
residence.     (1883.) 

31.  Every  Master  Mason,  in  good  standing  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  is  entitled  to  be  buried  with 
Masonic  honors;  and  the  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  no 
discretion  to  determine  whether  he  should  or 
should  not  be  so  buried.      (1883.) 

32.  A  Lodge  may  elect  any  one  of  its  members, 
possessing  the  requisite  qualifications,  as  a  trial- 
Commissioner,  although  he  be  not  present  at  the 
time  of  the  election.     (1883.) 

33.  The  Committee  on  Pay  of  Members  shall 
withhold  from  the  representatives  of  Lodges,  re- 
ported by  the  Grand  Secretary  as  having  been  de- 
linquent in  the  transmission  of  certificates  of  the 
election  and  installation  of  the  officers  of  their  re- 
spective Lodges  within  the  time  prescribed  by  law, 
the  amounts  which  would  otherwise  be  allowed  to 
them.      (1883.) 

34.  A  Master  has  no  authority  to  open  his  Lodge 
at  any  other  than  its  appointed  place,  even  for  the 
purpose  of  conducting  a  funeral.  For  that  purpose 
he  should  open  it  in  its  Lodge-room,  and  proceed 
thence  to  the  place  where  the  funeral  service  is  to 
be  performed.     (1884.) 

35.  When  a  Lodge  has  heard  objection  made  to 
the  advancement  of  a  candidate  and  has  determined, 
by  a  proper  vote,  that  the  cause  assigned  therefor 
is  not  a  valid  and  Masonic  one,  the  Master  should 
not  allow  the  same  objection  to  be  made  a  second 
time.      (1884.) 

36.  A  Master  has  authority,  at  the  request  of  the 
accuser,  to  dismiss  charges  presented  to  him  which 
do   not   involve   immoral    or   criminal   conduct,    and 


GENERAL    REGULATIONS  115 

ought  in  all  cases  to  dismiss,  or  refuse  to  eutertain, 
charges  which  are  in  his  judgment  frivolous.  (1884.) 

37.  A  Lodge  formed  by  the  consolidation  of  two 
or  more  Lodges,  is  responsible  for  the  debts  of  each 
of  its  constituents.      (1884.) 

38.  A  Past  Master  has  no  authority  to  open  a 
Lodge  for  the  transaction  of  its  ordinary  business, 
or  for  any  other  purpose,  in  the  absence  of  the 
Master  and  Wardens;  but  one  of  those  officers,  pre- 
siding, may  call  upon  a  Past  Master,  or  any  well- 
informed  Mason,  to  confer  degrees  or  assist  in  the 
transaction  of  its  business.     (1884.) 

39.  A  Master  may,  in  the  proper  exercise  of  his 
discretion,  exclude  from  a  meeting  of  his  Lodge 
one  of  its  members  who  presents  himself  for  admis- 
sion in  a  state  of  intoxication.     (1884.) 

40.  When  the  Grand  Lodge  has  reversed  a  judg- 
ment of  one  of  its  subordinates  and  ordered  a  new 
trial,  a  new  trial  must  be  had;  and  the  Lodge  has 
no  power  to  dismiss  the  charges  or  to  take  any 
action  in  the  matter  except  to  elect  a  new  com- 
mission.     (1884.) 

41.  A  Lodge  in  California  has  no  authority  to 
receive  an  application  for  affiliation  from  a  Mason 
residing  in  another  State.      (1884.) 

42.  A  dimit  presented  by  an  applicant  for  af- 
filiation must  be  a  proper  dimit  in  the  jurisdiction 
whence  it  emanates;  that  is,  it  must  be  in  accord- 
ance with  the  regulations  of'  that  jurisdiction. 
(1885.) 

43.  A  certificate  of  qualification  from  an  Inspec- 
tor is  not  a  necessary  prerequisite  to  the  installa- 
tion of  the  officers  of  a  newly  chartered  Lodge,  as, 
under  the  Constitution,  no  charter  can  be  issued 
from  the  Grand  Lodge  unless  it  be  certified  that  the 


116  GENERAL    REGULATIONS 

Master  and  Wardens  named  therein  are  thoroughly 
skilled  in  the  work  and  lectures.     (1885.) 

44.  A  brother  who  applies  for  affiliation,  but  dies 
before  such  application  has  been  acted  upon  by  the 
Lodge,  may  receive  Masonic  burial.     (1887.) 

45.  The  Inspector  of  each  Masonic  District  shall 
examine  each  and  every  Master-elect  in  his  District 
as  to  his  knowledge  of  such  portions  of  the  Consti- 
tution and  General  Eegulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
as  relate  to  the  government  of  a  Lodge,  as  well  as 
in  regard  to  his  proficiency  in  the  work  and  lectures. 
Each  certificate  of  qualification  issued  by  such  In- 
spector shall  declare  that,  after  strict  examination, 
he  has  found  the  Master-elect  named  therein  to  be 
well  qualified  in  both  the  respects  above  men- 
tioned; and  no  Master-elect  shall  be  installed  until 
he  shall  have  produced  such  a  certificate  to  the  in- 
stalling officer.  [Repealed,  October,  1894.]  See 
Regulation  No.  56. 

46.  The  degrees  of  Masonry  should  not  be  con- 
ferred upon  a  person  subject  to  epileptic  fits.  (1888.) 

47.  When  an  Entered  Apprentice  (or  Fellow 
Craft)  is  refused  advancement,  he  is  entitled  to  a 
return  of  that  portion  of  the  fee  paid  by  him  which 
is  charged  for  the  remaining  degrees  (or  degree). 
(1888.) 

48.  When  objection  is  made  to  the  admission  of 
a  visitor,  the  Master  should  require  the  member 
objecting  to  state  to  him  the  reasons  for  the  ob- 
jection, that  he  may  judge  of  their  sufficiency. 
(1888.) 

49.  A  non-affiliated  Mason,  residing  in  this  State, 
cannot  keep  himself  in  good  standing  by  contribu- 
tions to  a  Lodge  in  another  State.     (1888.) 


GENERAL    REGULATIONS  1  1  7 

50.  Whenever  the  charter  of  a  Lodge  is  arrested 
by  the  Grand  Master  or  the  Grand  Lodge,  those  of 
its  members  who,  by  the  order  of  arrest,  are  ex- 
empted from  suspension,  must  pay  dues  during  the 
period  of  arrest,  to  the  Lodge  if  the  charter  be  re- 
stored, and  to  the  Grand  Lodge  if  the  charter  be 
revoked;  and  in  case  of  revocation,  they  must  pay 
ftp  to  the  date  of  application  for  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary's  certificate.      (1888.) 

51.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  may  suspend  from 
office  any  officer  of  his  Lodge  who  unreasonably 
neglects  to  qualify  himself  to  perform,  or,  being 
qualified,  unreasonably  neglects  to  perform  the 
duties  of  his  office;  and  in  case  of  such  suspension 
may  appoint  another  to  fill  the  vacancy.     (1888.) 

52.  No  Mason  of  our  own  or  of  a  foreign  juris- 
diction can  be  allowed  to  circulate  among  the  breth- 
ren here  a  petition  for  contributions  for  the  erection 
of  a  church  or  for  other  like  purpose.     (1891.) 

53.  It  is  competent  and  proper  for  the  Master, 
without  a  vote  of  his  Lodge,  to  direct  the  Secretary 
to  draw  and  the  Treasurer  to  pay  a  warrant  for 
Grand  Lodge  dues,  which,  by  the  Constitution,  are 
required  to  accompany  the  annual  report  of  the 
Lodge.      (1893.) 

54.  When  a  trial  is  had  in  the  Lodge  of  which 
the  accused  is  a  member,  or  in  another  Lodge  to 
which  the  case  is  transferred,  the  Secretary  can- 
not make  any  charge  for  serving  the  summons,  or 
for  writing  up  the  record  of  the  trial,-  or  for  writing 
a  transcript  or  copy  of  the  record  for  transmission 
to  the  Grand  Secretary.     (1893.) 

55.  The  Grand  Secretary,  so  soon  as  he  shall  for- 
ward the  blanks  for  the  returns  to  the  subordinate 
Lodges,   shall   notify  the  Inspectors  that  he  has  so 


118  GENERAL    REGULATIONS 

done,  and  it  shall  then  become  the  duty  of  the  said 
Inspectors  to  see  to  it,  as  far  as  lies  in  their  power, 
that  the  Lodges  in  their  several  districts  comply 
with  the  requirements  of  the  Constitution  (Sec.  4, 
Art.  II,  Part  III),  in  this  regard.     (1894.) 

56.  No  Master  of  a  Lodge  shall  be  installed  until 
he  shall  have  produced  to  the  installing  officer  the 
certificate  of  the  Grand  Lecturer  or  of  the  Inspector 
of  the  district  in  which  such  Lodge  is  situated,  cer- 
tifying that  he  has  personally  examined  such  Mas- 
tor-elect,  and  that  he  is  qualified  to  give  the  work 
and  lectures  entire  in  the  three  degrees,  and  that  he 
is  thoroughly  proficient  in  those  portions  of  the  Con- 
stitution and  General  Regulations  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  which  relate  to  the  government  of  a  Lodge. 
Such  certificate,  endorsed  by  the  installing  officer, 
shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  to  be 
kept   on  file   in  his  office.      (1894.) 

57.  The  subordinate  Lodges  of  this  jurisdiction 
;nv  hereby  authorized  to  expend,  in  each  Masonic 
year,  a  sum  not  exceeding  ten  per  cent  of  their 
total  revenue  for  the  preceding  Masonic  year,  for 
purposes  of  refreshment  and  the  promotion  of 
fraternal  intercourse;  provided,  no  expenditure 
whatever  shall  be  made  for  spirituous,  malt,  or  fer- 
mented liquors.      (As  amended,   1906.) 

58.  Any  person,  eligible  to  receive  the  degrees  of 
Masonry,  may  present  his  petition  for  the  degrees 
to  a  Lodge  other  than  that  Lodge  in  whose  jurisdic- 
tion he  resides,  by  complying  with  the  provisions  of 
Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution,  and 
upon  receiving  the  consent  of  a  majority  of  the 
members  present  at  the  time  that  his  request  is 
voted  upon.     (1896.) 


GENERAL    REGULATIONS  110 

59.  Lodge  funds  cannot  be  used  either  to  pur- 
chase jewels  for  retiring  officers  or  to  purchase  por- 
traits of  such  officers  to  ornament  the  walls  of  a 
Lodge-room.      (1896.) 

60.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  no  authority  or 
Masonic  right  to  order  the  Secretary  of  his  Lodge 
to  make  changes  in  the  minutes  of  a  meeting,  after 
the  same  have  been  approved,  until  he  is  duly  auth- 
orized to  make  such  a  change  by  a  vote  of  the 
Lodge  at  a  regular  meeting.     (1896.) 

61.  The  widow  of  a  deceased  Master  Mason  who 
was  in  good  standing  at  the  time  of  his  death,  but 
whose  Lodge  has  subsequently  surrendered  its  char- 
ter, becomes  a  charge,  if  needy,  upon  the  charities 
of  the  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction  she  resides. 
(1896.) 

62.  Separate  dispensations  must  be  issued,  and 
separate  fees  paid  for  each  application  to  reballot 
on  rejected  candidates  for  the  degrees,  even  though 
two  or  more  dispensations  are  asked  for  by  any 
one  Lodge  at  one  time.     (1896.) 

63.  A  Lodge  has  no  authority  to  use  its  funds  to 
pay  assessments  on  a  life  insurance  policy,  even 
though  made  out  in  favor  of  the  Lodge.  (1897.) 

64.  When  there  is  no  evidence  of  a  legal  mar- 
riage, a  widow  claiming  to  be  the  widow  of  a 
deceased  brother  Mason  should  not  be  recognized 
as  such,  and  is  not  an  object  of  a  Lodge's  charity. 
(1897.) 

65.  A  person  having  been  elected  to  receive  the 
degrees,  may,  at  the  request  of  the  Lodge  in  which 
he  was  elected,  receive  the  three  degrees  in  another 
Lodge.     (1898.) 

6Q.  A  resolution  that  every  application  for  dues 
being  remitted  must  be  made  in  writing  or  in  person 


l#Q  GENERAL    REGULATIONS 

by  the  delinquent  himself,  stating  his  reasons  for 
his  inability  to  comply  with  the  financial  requisi- 
tions of  the  law  of  the  Lodge,  restricts  the  provi- 
sions of  Sec.  11,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitu- 
tion, and  is  therefore  unconstitutional.      (1898.) 

67.  A  brother  who  holds  a  certificate  of  life 
membership  in  a  Lodge  that  has  subsequently  gone 
out  of  existence,  occupies  the  relation  to  the  Frater- 
nity of  a  dimitted  Mason.  His  life  membership  was 
a  special  contract  between  himself  and  his  Lodge. 
When  the  Lodge  ceased  to  exist  his  life  member- 
ship ceased  also,  and  when  he  affiliates  with  another 
Lodge  he  will  be  required  to  pay  dues  the  same  as 
any  other   member.      (1898.) 

68.  Testimony  at  Masonic  trials  cannot  be  taken 
in  shorthand  writing.     (1898.)     (See  Eegulation  21.) 

69.  The  pay  of  representatives  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  from  the  respective  subordinate  Lodges  shall 
hereafter  be  an  unlimited  first-class  railroad  fare, 
together  with  stage  fare  and  cost  of  berth  in  sleeper 
when  required.     (1898.) 

70.  An  Entered  Apprentice  Mason  cannot  with- 
draw from  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  in  which 
he  has  received  his  Entered  Apprentice  degree.  That 
Lodge  retains  jurisdiction  over  him  as  an  Entered 
Apprentice  Mason,  unless,  by  its  permission,  he  is 
elected  to  receive  the  remaining  degrees  in  another 
Lodge.      (1899.) 

71.  A  Lodge  may  conduct  the  funeral  service 
prescribed  by  our  ritual  over  the  remains  of  a  de- 
ceased brother,  although  cremation  of  the  remains 
is  to  follow.      (1899.) 

72.  A  Lodge  has  the  right,  by  resolution,  to  pro- 
vide for  the  appointment  of  trustees  to  buy,  hold. 


GENERAL    REGULATIONS  121 

manage,  and  sell  its  property,  subject  to  the  control 
and  direction   of   the   Lodge.      (1899.) 

73.  There  is  no  provision  of  our  law  that  in 
terms  makes  the  receiving  of  the  degree  of  Past 
Master  a  condition  precedent  to  installation.  In 
conformity  with  custom  the  Master-elect  should, 
wherever  practicable,  receive  the  degree  in  the  man- 
ner provided  by  General  Regulation  No.  1,  but  he 
can  legally  be  installed  without  having  received  it. 
(1899.) 

74.  When  a  vacancy  occurs  in  the  office  of  Sec- 
retary of  a  Lodge,  the  Master  should  appoint  a 
brother  to  fill  the  office  for  the  unexpired  term. 
(1899.) 

75.  When  a  member  of  a  Lodge  voluntarily  with- 
draws therefrom  in  the  manner  provided  by  the  Con- 
stitution, he  becomes,  as  a  matter  of  right,  entitled 
to  receive  a  certificate  of  the  fact  of  such  with- 
drawal, without  a  recommendatory  certificate,  and 
no  vote  of  the  Lodge  is  essential  to  authorize  the 
issuance  thereof.  This  paper  is  a  "  proper  dimit, " 
in  the  sense  in  which  that  expression  is  used  in  Sec. 
13,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution,  and  would 
enable  a  brother  to  affiliate  with  another  Lodge,  if 
the  brethren  thereof  are  willing  to  elect  him.  But 
one  who  voluntarily  withdraws  is  not  entitled,  as 
a  matter  of  right,  to  a  recommendatory  certificate; 
that  can  be  given  him  only  by  vote  of  a  majority 
of  the  members  of  the  Lodge  then  present,  and  it 
lies  wholly  with  the  members  to  determine  whether 
such  certificate  shall  issue,  and  the  brother  with- 
drawing cannot  compel  the  issuance  thereof.  (1899.) 

76.  Under  the  provisions  of  our  Constitution  and 
Code  of  By-Laws,  a  brother  who  is  in  arrears  for 
dries  at  the  time  of  the  annual  election,  and  who  1ms 


122  GENERAL    REGULATIONS 

been  granted  an  extension  of  time  for  the  payment 
of  the  same,  is  ineligible  to  office  in  the  Lodge. 
(1899.) 

77.  The  daughter  of  a  Master  Mason  is  entitled 
to  receive  assistance  from  Masons,  if  she  be  in 
need,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  she  is  the 
widow  of  one  who  was  not  a  Mason.  The  fact  that 
she  has  been  married  makes  her  no  less  the  daughter 
of  a  Master  Mason,  and  as  such  she  is  entitled  to 
our  consideration.     (1899.) 

78.  The  resolution  levying  a  per  capita  tax  for 
the  support  and  maintenance  of  the  Masonic 
Widows  and  Orphans '  Home  requires  that  .each 
Lodge,  chartered  or  under  dispensation,  shall,  in 
payment  of  such  tax,  accompany  its  annual  report 
with  the  sum  of  one  dollar  for  each  Master  Mason 
borne  upon  its  roll.     (1899.) 

79.  The  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Masonic  Home 
are  required  and  directed  to  have  all  their  reports 
prepared,  printed  and  ready  for  distribution  on  the 
first  day  of  each  and  every  Annual  Communication 
of   the   Grand  Lodge.      (1902.) 

80.  v  The  Finance  Committee  of  this  Grand  Lodge 
is  hereby  authorized  to  set  aside  each  year  a  sum 
of  money  not  to  exceed  three  hundred  dollars 
($300)  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  a  suitable 
testimonial  to  be  presented  to  the  retiring  Grand 
Master  of  this  Grand  Jurisdiction,  and  said  Finance 
Committee  is  hereby  directed  to  consult  with  the 
retiring  Grand  Master  before  the  purchase  of  said 
testimonial  is  made.     (1904.) 

81.  The  reading  of  the  names  of  brethren  ap- 
pointed on  committees  of  investigation,  when  re- 
porting, is  deemed  injudicious  and  calculated  to  pro- 
duce a  state  of  inharmony  in  a  Lodge,  and  is  there- 


GENERAL    REGULATIONS  123 

fore  expressly  prohibited,  except  in  those  cases 
where,  in  the.  judgment  of  the  Lodge,  such  disclosure 
is  necessary.  (1904.)  [Repealed,  1906.]  See  Regu- 
lation No.  83. 

82.  No  Junior  Warden  of  a  Lodge  shall  be  in- 
stalled until  he  shall  have  produced  to  the  installing 
officer  the  certificate  of  the  Grand  Lecturer  or  of  the 
Inspector  of  the  district  in  which  his  Lodge  is 
situated,  certifying  that  he  has  personally  examined 
such  Junior  Warden-elect  and  that  he  is  qualified 
to  give  the  work  and  lecture  of  the  First  Degree; 
and  that  no  Senior  Warden  shall  be  installed  until 
he  shall  have  produced  a  like  certificate  of  his 
qualification  to  give  the  work  and  lectures  of  the 
First  and  Second  Degrees.  Such  certificates  shall 
be  sent  to  the  Grand  Secretary  and  filed  in  his 
office.      (Adopted,  1906.) 

83.  Resolved,  That  the  reports  of  Committee  on 
Investigation  appointed  on  the  petition  of  appli- 
cants for  the  degrees  of  Masonry,  or  for  applica- 
tions, shall  not  be  read  in  the  Lodges,  except  so  far 
as  the  announcement  of  the  character  of  the  report 
is  concerned;  nor  shall  the  names  of  the  brethren, 
appointed  on  such  committees  be  announced  in  the 
Lodge. 

Our  interpretation  of  the  resolution  adopted  at 
the  last  Annual  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  California  in  reference  to  keeping  secret  the 
names  of  brethren  appointed  on  committees  of  in- 
vestigation on  petitions  for  degrees  and  applications 
for  membership,  and  our  judgment  as  to  the  proper 
method  of  procedure  are  as  follows: 

The  intention  of  the  resolution  being  to  secure 
absolute  secrecy,  the  names  of  the  brethren  ap- 
pointed   on    these    committees    should    not,    in    our 


124  GENERAL    REGULATIONS 

opinion,  be  given  by  the  Master  to  the  Secretary,  to 
enable  him,  as  formerly,  to  notify  the  brethren  of 
their  appointment;  neither  should  their  reports  be 
returned  to  the  Secretary;  but  the  Master  himself 
should  severally  notify  the  members  of  the  com- 
mittees of  their  appointment,  not  revealing  to  one 
the  identity  of  the  others,  and  their  reports  should 
be  rendered  by  them  directly  to  him,  and  when 
practicable  should  be  given  verbally,  and  if  in  writ- 
ing, after  having  subserved  the  purpose  of  inform- 
ing the  Master  of  the  results  of  the  investigations 
should  be  by  him  destroyed;  and  his  simple  an- 
nouncement to  the  Lodge  of  such  results  will  be  all 
the  information  concerning  these  reports  conveyed 
by  him  to  anyone.     (Adopted,  October,  1907.) 


THE   UNIFORM    CODE   OF   BY-LAWS 
OF  LODGES 

As  Eevised  and  Becommended  by  the  Grand  Lodge 

in  May,   1860,  and  as  Amended  at  Its  Annual 

Communication    in    October,    1883-94,    and 

Made     Obligatory     in     October,     1898. 


AETICLE    I. 

Of  Name  and  Officers. 

Section  1.     This  Lodge,   shall  be  known  by  the 

name  of Lodge,  No ,  of  Free 

and  Accepted  Masons;  and  its  officers  shall  consist 
of  a  Master,  a  Senior  Warden,  a  Junior  Warden,  a 
Treasurer,  a  Secretary,  a  Senior  Deacon,  a  Junior 
Deacon,  a  Marshal,  two  Stewards,  a  Tyler,  and  such 
other  officers  as  the  Lodge  may  deem  proper  to 
appoint. 

AETICLE    II. 

Of  Elections   and   Appointments. 

Section  1.  The  Master,  the  Senior  and  Junior 
Wardens,  the  Treasurer  and  the  Secretary,  shall  be 
elected  by  ballot,  in  conformity  with  Sec.  1,  Art.  I, 
Part  IV,  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 
The  other  officers  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Master, 
except  the  Junior  Deacon,  who  may  be  appointed 
by    the    Senior   Warden. 


126 


AKTICLE  III. 
Of  Meetings  of  the  Lodge. 

Section  1.  The  stated  meetings  of  this  Lodge 
shall  be  holden  on  the in  each  month. 

Sec.  2.  Special  meetings  may  be  called  from  time 
to  time,  as  the  Lodge,  or  the  presiding  officer  there- 
of, may  direct. 

AETICLE    IV, 

Of  Initiation  and  Membership. 

Section  1.  All  petitions  for  initiation  or  affilia- 
tion must  be  signed  by  the  petitioner  and  be  recom- 
mended by  two  members  of  the  Lodge.  Every  such 
petition  shall  be  referred  to  a  committee  of  three, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  report  thereon  at  the  next 
stated  meeting,  (unless  further  time  be  granted,) 
when  the  applicant  shall  be  balloted  for  and  re- 
ceived or  rejected. 

Sec.  2.  If  an  applicant,  elected  to  receive  the  de- 
grees in  this  Lodge,  does  not  come  forward  to  be 
initiated  within  three  months  thereafter,  the  fee 
shall  be  forfeited,  unless  the  Lodge  shall  otherwise 
direct.  " 

Sec.  3.  Every  person  raised  to  the  degree  of 
Master  Mason  in  this  Lodge,  (except  when  such 
degree  shall  have  been  conferred  at  the  request  of 
another  Lodge,)  or  elected  to  be  a  member  thereof, 
shall  sign  its  By-Laws. 

AETICLE    V. 

Of  the  Treasurer. 

Section  1.  The  Treasurer  shall  receive  all  moneys 
from  the  Secretary;  shall  keep  an  accurate  and  just 


127 


account  thereof;  and  shall  pay  the  same  out  only 
upon  an  order  duly  signed  by  the  Master,  and 
countersigned  by  the  Secretary.  He  shall,  at  the 
stated  meetings  in  June  and  December  of  each 
year,  submit  a  report  in  full  of  the  monetary  tran- 
sactions of  the  Lodge.  The  Lodge  may  also,  at  any 
time  when  considered  necessary,  cause  him  to  pre- 
sent an  account  of  his  reecipts  and  disbursements, 
and  of  the  amount  of  funds  on  hand. 

Sec.  2.  He  shall,  if  required  by  the  Lodge,  exe- 
cute a  good  and  sufficient  bond  to  the  Master,  for 
the  faithful  performance  of  his  duties. 

ARTICLE   VI. 
Of  the  Secretary. 

Section  1.  The  Secretary  shall  keep  a  faithful 
record  of  all  proceedings  proper  to  be  written;  shall 
transmit  a  copy  of  the  same  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
when  required;  shall  keep  a  separate  account  for 
each  member  of  the  Lodge;  shall  report  at  the 
stated  meetings  in  June  and  December  of  each  year, 
the  amounts  due  by  each;  shall  receive  all  moneys 
due  the  Lodge,  and  pay  the  same  monthly  to  the 
Treasurer;  and  shall  perform  all  such  other  duties 
as  may  properly  pertain  to  his  office. 

Sec.  2.  He  shall  receive  such  compensation  for 
his  services  as  the  Lodge  may  direct;  and  he  shall, 
if  required  by  the  Lodge,  execute  a  good  and  suffi- 
cient bond  to  the  Master  for  the  faithful  perform- 
ance of  his  duties. 

AETICLE   VII. 
Of  the   Tyler. 
Section  1.     The  Tyler,  in  addition  to  the  neces- 
sary duties  of  his  office,  shall  serve  all  notices  and 


1-8  BY-LAWS 

summonses,  and  perform  such  other  services  as 
may  be  required  of   him  by  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  2.  He  shall  receive  such  compensation  for 
his  services  as  the  Lodge  may  direct. 

ARTICLE   VIII. 
Of  Fees. 

Section  1.  The  table  of  fees  for  this  Lodge  shall 
be   as  follows:     for  the   three   degrees,   the   sum  of 

dollars;   for  the- degrees  of  Fellow  Craft 

and  Master  Mason,  when  the  first  degree  shall  have 

been  received  in  another  Lodge,  the  sum  of 

dollars;  for  the  degree  of  Master  Mason,  when  the 
first  and  second  degrees  shall  have  been  received  in 

another  Lodge,  the  sum  of dollars;  and  for 

affiliation,  the  sum  of dollars. 

Sec.  2.  The  fee  for  each  of  the  foregoing  shall 
accompany  the  several  petitions  or  applications,  else 
they  shall  not  be  presented  by  the  Secretary  to  the 
Lodge. 

AETICLE    IX. 

Of  Dues. 

Section  1.      The    dues    of    each    member    of    this 

Lodge  shall  be ,  payable  quarterly  in  advance; 

provided,  that  this  Lodge,  by  the  adoption  of  a  stand- 
ing resolution  to  that  effect,  which  resolution  shall 
not  be  acted  upon  at  the  stated  meeting  at  which  it 
is  introduced,  nor  until  notice  in  writing  thereof  shall 
have  been  forwarded  by  mail  to  every  member,  may 
provide  for  a  system  of  life  membership,  which  shall 
forever  exempt  the  member  from  the  payment  of 
dues  therein.     Said  resolution  shall  provide  that  no 


129 


life  membership  shall  be  granted  except  upon  pay- 
ment of  a  sum  of  money  named  therein,  which  sum 
shall,  in  case  the  annual  dues  are  $12.00,  be  not  less 
than  the  sum  of  $200,  and  the  minimum  amount  to 
be  proportionately  greater  or  less  as  the  dues  are* 
greater  or  less,  and  shall  further  provide  that  all 
amounts  paid  for  life  membership  shall  be  invested 
only  in  such  reputable  banks  of  deposit,  or  in  such 
bonds  of  the  United  States,  State  of  California, 
or  some  County,  City  and  County,  City  or  Town, 
thereof,  or  in  such  other  first-class  stocks,  bonds  or 
securities  as  may  be  directed  by  the  Lodge,  and 
approved  by  the  Master,  and  that  only  the  income 
thereof  shall  be  used  by  the  Lodge,  the  original 
amounts  to  be  forever  kept  and  maintained  as  and 
for  a  permanent  Life  Membership  Fund.  Said 
resolution  shall  require  the  Secretary,  in  making  his 
annual  report  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  to  report  the 
number  of  life  members  borne  on  the  roll,  the 
amount  of  the  fund  thus  created,  and  the  manner 
in  which  said  fund  is  invested.  Said  resolution 
shall  take  effect  only  upon  its  approval  by  the 
Grand  Master. 

Sec.  2.  No  member,  who  shall  be  in  arrears  for 
dues  at  the  time  of  the  annual  election,  shall  be 
permitted  to  vote,  or  shall  be  eligible  to  any  office. 

Sec.  3.  Should  any  member,  suspended  for  non- 
payment of  dues,  neglect  for  the  period  of  two 
years  to  pay  said  dues  or  have  the  same  remitted  by 
his  Lodge,  said  member  shall  not  be  restored  except 
by  three-fourths  vote  by  ballot  of  all  the  members 
present  at  the  next  stated  meeting  after  the  petition 
for  restoration  is  presented. 

Sec.  4.  Any  member  in  good  standing  may  with- 
draw from  membership  by  paying  his  dues  and  noti- 


J  30 


lying  the  bodge  lo  that  effect  at  a  stated  meeting; 
but  no  recommendatory  certificate  shall  be  issued  to 
him  unless  ordered  by  the  Lodge. 

ARTICLE    X. 
Of  Committees. 

Section  1.  The  Master  and  Wardens  shall  be  a 
Charity  Committee,  and  shall  have  power  to  draw 
upon    the    Treasurer    for    any    sum,    not    exceeding 

dollars  at  any  one  time,  for  the  relief 

of  a  distressed  worthy  brother,- his  wife,  widow,  or 
orphan. 

Sec.  2.  The  Master,  at  the  stated  meeting  next 
succeeding  his  installation,  shall  appoint  an  auditing 
committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  all 
accounts  presented  against  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  2.  All  reports  of  committees  shall  be  made 
in  writing. 

ARTICLE  XI. 

Of  Revealing  the  Transactions  of  the  Lodge. 

Section  1.  When  a  candidate  for  initiation  or 
affiliation  is  rejected,  or  a  brother  reprimanded,  sus- 
pended or  expelled,  no  member  or  visitor  shall  re- 
veal, either  directly  or  indirectly,  to  such  person,  or 
to  any  other,  any  transactions  which  may  have 
taken  place  on  the  subject;  nor  shall  any  proceeding 
of  the  Lodge,  not  proper  to  be  made  public,  be  dis- 
closed outside  thereof,  under  the  penalty  of  repri- 
mand, suspension  or  expulsion,  as  the  Lodge  may 
determine. 


131 


AETICLE   XII. 

Of  the  Order  of  Business. 

Section  1.  The  regular  order  of  business  at 
every  stated  meeting  of  this  Lodge  shall  be  as  fol- 
lows: 

1.  Reading  of  the  Minutes. 

2.  Eeports  of  Committees. 

3.  Balloting. 

4.  Eeception  of  Petitions. 

5.  Miscellaneous  and  Unfinished  Business. 

6.  Conferring  of  Degrees. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 

Of  Amendments. 

Section  1.  These  By-Laws,  so  far  as  relates  to 
the  times  of  meeting,  and  the  amounts  of  fees,  dues, 
and  disbursements  by  the  Charity  Committee,  may 
be  amended  at  any  stated  meeting,  by  the  votes  of 
two-thirds  of  the  members  present;  provided,  that 
notice  of  such  amendment  shall  have  been  given  at 
the  stated  meeting  next  preceding;  but  such  amend- 
ment shall  have  no  effect  until  approved  by  the 
Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Master,  and  until  such  ap- 
proval shall  have  been  transmitted  to  the  Grand 
Secretary. 


132  PUBLIC  GRAND   HONORS 


The  public  Grand  Honors  of  Masonry  are  given 
thus: — Cross  the  arms  upon  the  "breast,  the  left  arm 
outermost,  the  hands  "being  open  and  palms  inward; 
then  raise  them  above  the  head,  the  palms  of  the 
hands  striking  each  other;  and  then  let  them  fall 
sharply  upon  the  thighs,  the  head  being  bowed.  This 
will  be  thrice  done;  and  at  funerals  the  action  will 
be  accompanied  with  the  following  ejaculation: — 
'  *■  The  will  of  God  is  accomplished — So  mote  it  be — 
Amen. ' ' 

The  private  Grand  Honors  are  the  signs  of  the 
several  degrees  given  in  a  manner  and  upon 
occasions  known  only  to  Master  Masons. 


CEREMONY  FOR  THE  INSTALLATION 

OF  THE  OFFICERS  OF  THE 

GRAND  LODGE 


Compiled  by  Past  Grand  Lecturer  J.  W.  Anderson, 
and  Adopted  "by  the  Grand  Lodge,  October,  1891. 


When  the  hour  for  the  installation  has  arrived, 
the  Grand  Master  says: — 

Brethren  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the  hour  for  the 
installation  of  the  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year 
having  arrived,  the  Right  Worshipful  Grand  Secre- 
tary will  read  their  names. 

The  Grand  Secretary  reads  the  names. 

The  Grand  Master  then  says: — 

The  Grand  Officers  elected  and  appointed  for  the 
ensuing  Masonic  year  will  retire  to  the  adjoining 
hall,  and  prepare  for  the  ceremony  of  installation; 
the  present  Grand  Officers  will  vacate  their  stations 
and  places,  and  surrender  their  jewels. 

The  Grand  Officers  elected  and  appointed,  salute 
the  Grand  Master  and  retire  in  a  body.  The  Grand 
Master  then  appoints  a  Master  of  Ceremonies,  and 
declares  the  Grand  Lodge  free  from  restraint. 

After  the  Grand  Officers,  elected  and  appointed, 
have   assembled  in   the   adjoining  hall,   the   Master 


134  INSTALLATION — GRAND  LODGE 

of  Ceremonies  forms  them  in  procession  in  the  fol- 
lowing order: — 

Master  of  Ceremonies  and  Grand  Tyler. 
Grand  Master  and  Deputy  Grand  Master. 

Senior  Grand  Warden  and  Junior  Grand  Warden. 
Grand  Treasurer  and  Grand  Secretary. 

Grand  Lecturer  and  Grand  Chaplain. 

Grand  Orator  and  Asst.  Grand  Secretary. 

Grand  Marshal  and  Grand  Standard   Bearer. 

Grand  Sword  Bearer     and  Grand  Bible  Bearer. 
Senior  Grand  Deacon    and  Junior  Grand  Deacon. 
Senior  Grand  Steward  and  Junior  Grand  Steward. 
Grand  Pursuivant  and  Grand  Organist. 

When  all  is  ready  the  Master  of  Ceremonies  re- 
turns to  the  Grand  Lodge  and  quietly  informs  the 
Grand  Master,  who  calls  the  Grand  Lodge  to  order, 
and  says: — 

Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  are 
the  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  lately  chosen  and 
appointed  ready  to  be  installed  in  their  respective 
offices? 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.'.  W.\  Grand  Master, 
they  are  without,  and  await  your  pleasure. 

Grand  Master:  You  will  then  conduct  them  to 
the  seats  prepared  for  them  in  the  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Master  of  Ceremonies  retires  and  conducts 
the  Grand  Officers  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  entering  at 
the  door  of  the  P.  E.  As  the  front  of  the  proces- 
sion enters,  the  Grand  Master  calls  up  the  Grand 
Lodge  and  the  Grand  Organist  furnishes  appropriate 
music. 

The  Master  of  Ceremonies  conducts  the  Grand 
Officers  around  the  Grand  Lodge  to  the  \V.  and 
forward    to    the    seats.      When    the    procession    ap- 


INSTALLATION — GRAND    LODGE  L35 

proaehes  the  scats,  the  lines  separate  U>  the  right 
and  left,  and  march  until  the  Grand  Master  and 
Deputy  Grand  Master  come  to  the  center  of  the 
line  of  chairs.'  The  officers  remain  standing  until 
the  Grand  Master  seats  the  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Master  of  Ceremonies  then  says: 

M.\  W.\  Grand  Master,  the  officers  of  this  Grand 
Lodge  lately  elected  and  appointed  are  present,  and 
are  ready  to  be  installed  in  their  respective  offices. 

Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  present  to  me  the  brother  who  has  been  elected 
to  discharge  the  duties  of  Grand  Master  for  the 
ensuing  Masonic  year. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.\  W.\  Grand  Master, 
I    take    great    pleasure    in    presenting    to    you    the 

M.\  W.\  Bro. ,  who  has  been  elected 

by  the  brethren  of  this  Grand  Lodge  to  be  its  Grand 
Master  for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year. 

Grand  Master:  M.\  W.\  Sir,  the  brethren  of 
this  Grand  Lodge,  reposing  explicit  confidence  in 
your  integrity,  in  your  zealous  regard  for  the  inter- 
ests of  Masonry,  and  in  your  ability  to  discharge  the 
duties  of  that  honorable  and  responsible  station, 
have  elected  you  as  their  Grand  Master  of  this 
Grand  Lodge  for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year.  Are 
you  willing  to  accept  the  trust  which  they  have  con- 
fided to  you? 

Grand  Master  Elect:     I  am. 

Grand  Master:  You  will  then  face  your  brethren 
of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Grand  Master  Elect:     (Faces.) 

Grand  Master:  Brethren  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  you 
behold  before  you  the  M.*.  W.\  brother  whom  you 
have  elected  to  serve  this  Grand  Lodge  as  its  M.\ 
W.\   Grand  Master  for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year, 


13(3 


INSTALLATION GRAND    LODGE 


and  who  is  now  about  to  be  installed.  If  any  of 
you  have  any  reason  to  present  why  he  should  not 
be  installed,  you  will  now  make  it  known,  or  for- 
ever after  hold  your  peace. 

My  brother,  you  will  face  the  East. 

M.\  W.\  brother,  hearing  no  objection,  I  shall 
most  cheerfully  proceed  to  install  you  in  the 
dignified  and  honorable  position  to  which  the  suff- 
rages of  your  brethren  of  the  Grand  Lodge  have 
called  you,  not  doubting  that  the  dignity  of  the 
Grand  Oriental  Chair  will  be  well  conserved  during 
your  administration,  and  that  the  interests  and  wel- 
fare of  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  of  the  Craft  in  this 
jurisdiction  may  be  safely  confided  to  your  charge. 

Before  being  vested,  however,  with  the  emblems 
of  your  power  and  office,  it  is  necessary  that  you 
should  signifiy  your  assent  to  those  ancient  charges 
and  regulations  which  point  out  the  duties  of  a 
Grand  Master: 

1st.  You  agree  to  be  a  good  man  and  true,  and 
strictly  to  obey  the  moral  law? 

2d.  You  agree  to  be  a  peaceful  citizen,  and 
cheerfully  to  conform  to  the  laws  of  the  country  in 
which  you  reside? 

3d.  You  promise  not  to  be  concerned  in  plots  and 
conspiracies  against  the  government,  but  patiently 
to  submit  to  the  decisions  of  the  supreme  legislature? 

4th.  Y"ou  agree  to  pay  proper  respect  to  the  civil 
magistrate,  to  work  diligently,  live  creditably,  and 
act  honorably  by  all  men? 

5th.  You  agree  to  hold  in  veneration  the  original 
patrons  of  Freemasonry? 

6th.  You  agree  to  avoid  private  piques  and 
quarrels,  and  to  guard  against  imtemperance  and 
excess? 


INSTALLATION GRAND  LODGE  137 

7th.  You  agree  to  be  cautious  in  your  behavior, 
courteous  to  your  brethren,  and  faithful  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  California? 

8th.  You  promise  to  respect  genuine  brethren, 
and  to  discountenance  imposters,  and  all  dissenters 
from  the  original  plan  of  Masonry? 

9th.  You  agree  to  promote  the  general  good  of 
society,  to  cultivate  the  social  virtues,  and  to  propa- 
gate the  knowledge  of  our  art? 

10th.  You  promise  to  conform  strictly  to  every 
edict  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  California,  that  is  not 
subversive  of  the  principles  and  groundwork  of  Ma- 
sonry? 

11th.  You  admit  that  it  is  not  in  the  power  of 
any  man,  or  body  of  men,  to  make  innovations  in 
the  body  of  Masonry? 

12th.  You  promise  a  regular  attendance  on  all 
the  Communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Cali- 
fornia, and  to  pay  attention  to  all.  the  duties  of 
Masonry  on  convenient  occasions? 

13th.  You  admit  that  no  new  Lodge  shall  be 
formed  within  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand  Lodge 
without  its  consent;  and  that  no  countenance  shall 
be  given  to  any  irregular  Lodge,  or  to  any  person 
clandestinely  initiated  therein,  being  contrary  to 
the  ancient   charges  of  the  Fraternity? 

14th.  You  admit  that  no  person  can  be  regularly 
made  a  Mason  in,  or  admitted  as  a  member  of,  any 
regular  Lodge  without  previous  notice,  and  due 
inquiry  into  his  character? 

15th.  You  agree  that  no  visitor  shall  be  received 
into  any  Lodge  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand 
Lodge  without  due  examination,  and  without  pro- 
ducing proper  vouchers  of  his  having  been  initiated 
into  a  regular  Lodge? 


138  INSTALLATION — GRAND  LODGE 

Do  you  submit  to  these  charges,  and  promise  to 
suport  these  regulations,  as  Grand  Masters  have 
done  in  all  ages  before  you? 

Grand  Master  Elect:     I  do. 

Grand  Master:  Having  assented  to  these  charges 
and  regulations  of  the  Fraternity,  I  take  great 
pleasure  in  installing  you  Grand  Master  of  Masons 
of  the  State  of  California,  having  full  confidence  in 
your  ability  to  govern  the  same;  and  I  now  present 
to  you  this  jewel,  the  badge  of  your  honorable 
office  and  the  emblem  of  your  power  and  authority. 
Many  of  the  most  illustrious  characters  that  the 
world  has  produced  have  worn  it  with  satisfaction 
and  delight.  This  emblem  will  silently  admonish 
you  to  do  justice  to  the  cause  of  Freemasonry,  and 
upon  all  occasions  to  consult  and  conserve  the  in- 
terests of  our  noble  Fraternity  with  that  earnest 
zeal  and  fidelity  demanded  of  you  by  the  exalted 
rank  which  you  now  hold.  It  will  instruct  you  to 
infuse  into  the  Lodges  of  this  jurisdiction,  of  which 
you  are  now  the  honored  head,  the  true  spirit  of 
our  Fraternity.  Its  teachings  will  guide  you  in  the 
discharge  of  your  responsible  duties,  and  win  for 
you  the  esteem  and  approbation  of  your  brethren 
of  the  Mystic  Tie.  Wear  it  with  honor  and  satis- 
faction to  yourself,  and  with  benefit  and  blessing 
to  the  great  jurisdiction  over  whose  interests  you 
have  been  called  to  preside. 

I  now  commit  to  you  the  Volume  of  the  Sacred 
Law.  In  it  you  will  find  the  sublime  parts  of  our 
ancient  mysteries.  From  it  you  can  gain  a  better 
comprehension  of  the  exalted  attributes  which  con- 
stitute the  Great  Mystery  of  mysteries.  It  is  the 
great  light  from  which  the  Institution  of  Free- 
masonry derives  the  wisdom,  the  strength,  and  the 


INSTALLATION GRAND    LODGE  189 

beauty,  which  in  a] I  times  have  made  it  worthy  of 
the  most  profound  veneration  from  every  good 
Mason.  It  is  the  word  of  the  Supreme  Grand 
Master  of  Heaven  and  Earth.  The  teachings  of  this 
Great  Law  will  confirm  your  Faith,  strengthen  your 
Hope,  encourage  your  Charity,  and  direct  your  steps 
to  that  magnificent  temple,  that  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens,  where  all  is  har- 
mony, and  love  and  peace. 

These  implements  of  operative  Masonry  symbol- 
ically teach  great  moral  lessons.  The  Square  and 
Compass  assist  the  architect  in  drawing  his  various 
designs;  speculatively  applied  to  the  duties  of  Grand 
Master,  they  will  teach  you  to  square  your  actions 
by  the  principles  of  candor,  justice  and  moderation, 
and  to  keep  and  regulate  the  Craft  within  the  pre- 
scribed compass  of  Brotherly  Love,  Relief,  and 
Truth,  and  to  preserve  that  decorum  on  which  so 
essentially  depend  the  honor  and  the  usefulness  of 
the  Institution  of  Freemasonry. 

I  present  you  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  California.  It  will  be  your  duty  to  see  that  the 
excellent  provisions  which  it  contains  are  punctually 
and  properly  observed  and  obeyed. 

Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  now  conduct 
the  Grand  Master  to  the  Oriental  Chair. 

Appropriate  music  is  here  introduced,  during 
which  time  the  Grand  Officer  remains  standing  at 
his  station. 

Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  B.\  W.".  brother  who  has  been 
elected  to  the  office  of  Deputy  Grand  Master. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.'.  W.'.  Grand  Master, 
it  affords  me  pleasure  to  present  to  you  R.\  W.\ 
Bro. ,  whom  the  brethren  of  this  Grand 


140  INSTALLATION GRAND  LODGE 

Lodge  have  elected  as  Deputy  Grand  Master  for  the 
ensuing  Masonic  year. 

Grand  Master:  B.\  W.\  Sir  and  Brother:  You 
have  been  elected  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  California.  This  office  is  one  of 
distinguished  honor  and  importance.  Your  duties, 
powers  and  perogatives  will,  in  many  cases,  be  co- 
extensive with  those  of  the  Grand  Master.  You  are 
to  aid  him  at  all  times,  during  his  presence,  with 
your  counsel  and  co-operation;  and  in  his  absence, 
death,  incapacity,  or  inability  to  act,  the  entire 
duties  of  his  station  will  devolve  upon  you. 

The  honor  conferred  upon  you,  the  trust  reposed 
in  you,  and  the  responsible  duties  of  your  office, 
demand  a  corresponding  fidelity  and  attachment  to 
the  interests  of  those  to  whose  consideration  and 
confidence  you  are  indebted  for  the  distinguished 
rank  you  now  hold.  Let  no  effort  of  yours  be  want- 
ing in  the  faithful  discharge  of  all  your  duties,  and 
let  profit  to  the  Craft  be  your  constant  aim  and 
desire.  Thus  will  you  merit  their  continued  esteem 
and  favor,  and  have  occasion  to  rejoice  in  the  con- 
sciousness of  duty  well  done. 

It  affords  me  pleasure  to  invest  you  with  this 
badge  of  your  high  position. 

The  Master  of  Ceremonies  will  now  conduct  you 
to  your  station. 

Appropriate  music. 


Grand  Master:  Bto.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  E.'.  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
elected  Senior  Grand  Warden. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.\  W.\  Grand  Master, 
it  affords  me  pleasure  to  present  to  you  R.\  W.\ 


INSTALLATION GRAND    LODGE  1-A1 

Bro. ,  whom  the  brethren  of  this  Grand 

Lodge  have  elected  as  Senior  Grand  Warden  for 
the  ensuing  Masonic  year. 

Grand  Master:  B.\  W.\  Sir  and  Brother,  you 
have  been  elected  Senior  Grand  Warden  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  California,  and  I  now  invest  you 
with  the  insignia  of  your  office. 

The  Level  demonstrates  that  we  are  all  descended 
from  the  same  stock,  that  we  partake  of  the  same 
nature,  and  share  the  same  hope;  and  though  dis- 
tinctions among  men  are  necessary  to  preserve  sub- 
ordination, yet  no  eminence  of  station  should  make 
us  forget  that  we  are  brethren;  for  he  who  is  placed 
on  the  lowest  spoke  of  fortune's  wheel,  may  be 
entitled  to  our  regard;  because  a  time  will  come, 
and  the  wisest  know  not  how  soon,  when  all  dis- 
tinctions, but  that  of  goodness,  shall  cease,  and 
death,  the  grand  leveler  of  human  greatness,  shall 
reduce  us  all  to  the  same  state. 

Your  regular  and  punctual  attendance  on  all  Com- 
munications of  the  Grand  Lodge  is  essentially  neces- 
sary; this  duty  you  should  not,  for  light  or  trivial 
causes,  neglect.  In  the  absence  of  the  Grand  Master 
and  Deputy  Grand  Master,  you  are  to  preside  in  the 
Grand  Lodge;  and,  during  their  presence,  you  are 
to  assist  them  in  the  government  of  the  Grand 
Lodge.  Firmly  relying  upon  your  knowledge  of 
Masonry  and  your  attachment  to  the  Institution  of 
Freemasonry,  I  dismiss  you  to  your  station,  con- 
fident that  you  will  discharge  the  duties  of  your 
important  trust  with  honor  to  yourself  and  profit  to 
the  Fraternity.     Look  well  to  the  West. 

Appropriate  music. 


142  INSTALLATION GRAND  LODGE 

Grand  Master:  Brb.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  E:\  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
elected  Junior  Grand  Warden. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.\  W.".  Grand  Master, 
it   affords  me  pleasure  to  present  to  you  R.\   W.\ 

Bro. ,  whom  the  brethren  of  this  Grand 

Lodge  have  elected  as  Junior  Grand  Warden  for  the 
ensuing  Masonic  year. 

Grand  Master:  R.\  W.\  Sir  and  Brother,  you 
have  been  elected  Junior  Grand .  Warden  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  California,  and  I  now  invest  you 
with  the  insignia  of  your  office. 

The  Plumb  admonishes  us  to  walk  uprightly  in  our 
several  stations;  to  hold  the  scale  of  Justice  in  equal 
poise;  to  observe  the  just  medium  between  intem- 
perance and  pleasure;  and  to  make  our  passions  and 
prejudices  coincide  with  the  line  of  our  duty. 

To  you  is  committed  the  supervision  of  the  Craft 
during  the  hours  of  refreshment.  It  is,  therefore, 
indispensably  necessary  that  you  should  not  only  be 
temperate  and  discreet  in  the  indulgence  of  your 
own  inclinations,  but  carefully  observe  that  none  of 
the  Craft  be  suffered  to  convert  the  purpose  of 
refreshment  into  intemperance  and  excess. 

Your  regular  and  punctual  attendance  on  all  the 
Communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge  is  particularly 
desirable.  In  the  absence  of  your  superior  officers, 
it  is  your  duty  to  preside  in  the  Grand  Lodge.  It  is, 
therefore,  absolutely  necessary  that  you  should  un- 
derstand well  the  rules  and  regulations  of  Free- 
masonry. I  have  no  doubt  that  you  will  faithfully 
and  impartially  execute  the  duties  of  the  high  sta- 
tion to  which  your  brethren  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
have  elevated  you.  Look  well  to  the  South. 
Appropriate  music. 


INSTALLATION GRAND  LODGE  143 

Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  yon 
will  now  present  the  V.'.  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
elected   Grand   Treasurer. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.\  W.\  Grand  Master, 
I    take    pleasure    in    presenting    to    you    V.*.    W.\ 

Bro. ,  whom  the  brethren  of  the  Grand 

Lodge  have  elected  as  Grand  Treasurer  for  the  en- 
suing Masonic  year. 

Grand  Master:  V.*.  W.\  Sir  and  Brother,  you 
have  been  elected  Grand  Treasurer  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  California,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the 
badge  of  your  responsible   position. 

It  is  your  duty  to  receive  all  moneys  from  the 
hands  of  the  Grand  Secretary;  to  keep  a  just  and 
accurate  account  thereof;  and  to  pay  the  same  out 
by  order  of  the  Grand  Master,  with  consent  of  the 
Grand  Lodge.  I  dismiss  you  to  your  place,  with  the 
confident  trust  that  your  regard  for  the  Fraternity 
will  prompt  you  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  every 
duty  appertaining  to  your  office. 

Appropriate  music. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  V.'.  W.\  brother  who  has 
been  elected  Grand  Secretary. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.\  W.\  Grand  Master, 
it  is  with  great  pleasure  that  I  present  to  you  the 

V.".  W.".  Bro. ,  whom  the  brethren  of 

this  Grand  Lodge  have  elected  as  Grand  Secretary 
for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year. 

Grand  Master:  V.'.  "WV.  Sir  and  Brother,  you 
have  been  elected  Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  California,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the 
symbol  of  your  office. 


144  INSTALLATION — GRAND   LODGE 

It  is  your  duty  to  observe  the  will  and  pleasure 
of  the  Grand  Master;  to  record  all  proceedings  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  proper  to  be  written;  to  receive  all 
moneys  due  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  pay  the  same  to 
the  Grand  Treasurer,  taking  his  receipt  therefor. 
To  your  custody  are  committed  the  Seal  and  all  the 
books  and  papers  belonging  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  In 
the  capacity  of  Grand  Secretary  you  will  conduct 
the  correspondence  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  act  as 
its  medium  of  intercourse  between  the  Fraternity 
and  its  presiding  officer.  Your  position  is  second  to 
none  in  this  Grand  Body.  In  the  discharge  of  the 
extensive  and  responsible  duties  of  this  place,  let 
your  carriage  and  behavior  be  marked  by  that 
promptitude,  care  and  discretion  that  will  at  once 
reflect  credit  on  yourself  and  honor  on  the  Grand 
Body  which  you  represent.  I  dismiss  you  to  your 
place,  believing  that  by  your  fidelity  and  ability  you 
will  leave  a  record  in  all  respects  worthy  of  the  con- 
fidence which  your  brethren  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
have  reposed  in  you. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  V.*.  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
elected  Grand  Lecturer. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.'.  W.\  Grand  Master, 
I  take  pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  V.'.  W.\  Bro. 

,  who  has  been  elected  to  serve  the 

Grand  Lodge  as  Grand  Lecturer  for  the  ensuing 
Masonic  year. 

Grand  Master:  V.'.  W.\  Sir  and  Brother,  you 
have  been  elected  Grand  Lecturer  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  California,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the 
jewel  of  your  office. 


INSTALLATION — GRAND  LODGE  .  145 

You  are  the  Custodian  of  the  Esoteric  Work  of 
the  Fraternity  of  this  jurisdiction.  It  is  your  duty 
to  instruct  the  Craft  in  the  due  performance  of  their 
duties;  to  communicate  light  and  information  to  the 
uninformed;  to  preserve  our  ritual  and  traditions  in 
the  memory  of  the  Fraternity;  and  to  see  that  the 
Ancient  Landmarks  of  our  Institution  are  not  re- 
moved by  unskillful  hands.  By  your  instructions  to 
the  Inspectors  and  subordinate  Lodges,  you  are  to 
illustrate  the  genius,  and  vindicate  the  great  prin- 
ciples of  Freemasonry.  It  is  to  be  presumed  that  he 
whom  his  brethren  have  thought  capable  to  dis- 
charge so  important  and  difficult  a  trust,  will  require 
no  prompting  for  the  proper  performance  of  his 
duty.  Let  it  be  your  object,  while  inculcating  upon 
the  members  of  our  time-honored  society  a  faithful 
regard  for  their  obligations,  to  impress  the  world  at 
large  with  a  favorable  opinion  of  the  design  and 
tendency  of  Freemasonry. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  proper  place 
in  the  Grand  Lodge. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  V.*.  B.'.  brother  who  has  been 
appointed  Grand  Chaplain. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.\  W.\  Grand  Master, 
it  affords  me  pleasure  to  present  to  you  V.*.  B.'. 

Bro. ,  who  has  been  appointed  to  serve 

the  Grand  Lodge  in  the  capacity  of  Grand  Chaplain 
for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year. 

Grand  Master:  V.*.  B.\  Sir  and  Brother,  the 
sacred  position  of  Grand  Chaplain  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  California  has  been  entrusted  to  your  care 
by  our  Grand  Master,  and  it  is  with  great  pleasure 
that  I  now  invest  you  with  the  jewel  of  your  office. 


146  .         INSTALLATION GRAND  LODGE 

In  the  discharge  of  your  duties  you  will  be  re- 
quired to  conduct  the  devotional  exercises  at  the 
Communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  perform 
the  sacred  functions  of  your  holy  calling  at  our 
public  ceremonies.  In  ministering  at  the  Masonic 
altar,  the  services  which  you  may  perforin  will  lose 
nothing  of  their  holy  influence  because  they  are 
practiced  in  that  spirit  of  universal  tolerance  which 
distinguishes  Freemasonry.  The  doctrines  of  moral- 
ity and  virtue,  which  you  are  accustomed  to  incul- 
cate to  the  world  will  form  the  appropriate  lessons 
which  you  are  expected  to  communicate  to  your 
brethren.  Your  sacred  calling  is  the  best  guarantee 
that  you  will  discharge  the  duties  of  your  present 
appointment  with  steadfastness  and  perseverance  in 
well  doing. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  place  in  the 
Grand  Lodge. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
appointed  Grand  Orator. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.'.  W.'.  Grand  Master, 
it  affords  me  pleasure  to  present  to  you  W.\  Bro. 

,  who  has  been  appointed  to  serve  the 

Grand  Lodge  as  Grand  Orator  for  the  ensuing  Ma- 
sonic year. 

Grand  Master:  W.*.  Sir  and  Brother,  you  have 
been  appointed  Grand  Orator  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  California,  and  I  now  take  pleasure  in  investing 
you  with  the  jewel  of  your  office. 

It  is  your  duty  to  attend  the  Annual  and  Special 
Communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  deliver 
a  suitable  address  thereat.  That  you  may  be  enabled 
to    discharge   your    duty,   it   is   necessary   that   you 


INSTALLATION GRANP   LODGE  147 

should  be  familiar  with  the  principles  and  operations 
of  Freemasonry.  From  your  known  zeal,  and  your 
attachment  to  the  Fraternity,  I  have  no  doubt  that 
you  will  perform  your  duties  with  credit  to  your- 
self, and  with  pleasure  and  profit  to  your  brethren. 
You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  place  in  the 
Grand   Lodge. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
appointed  Assistant  Grand  Secretary. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:     M.\  W.*.  Grand  Master, 

I  take  pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  W.\  Bro. 

-,   who    has   been   appointed   Assistant    Grand 


Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Grand  Master:  W.\  Sir  and  Brother,  you  have 
been  appointed  Assistant  Grand  Secretary  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the  jewel 
of  your  office. 

It  will  be  your  duty  to  assist  the  Grand  Secretary 
in  the  discharge  of  the  important  duties  of  his 
office  and,  in  his  absence  or  inability,  to  act  for 
him  in  the  discharge  thereof. 

You  have  been  selected  in  view  of  your  fitness  for 
the  position;  and  as  the  prosperity  of  the  Lodges 
of  the  jurisdiction,  and  the  satisfaction  of  the 
officers  therein  greatly  depend  upon  the  promptness 
and  the  fidelity  with  which  the  affairs  of  the  office 
of  Grand  Secretary  are  administered,  I  sincerely 
trust  that  your  zeal  and  your  attention  will  be  com- 
mensurate with  the  dignity  and  responsibilty  attach- 
ing to  the  distinction  conferred  upon  you. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  place  in  the 
Grand    Lodge. 


148  INSTALLATION—GRAND    LODGE 

Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
appointed  Grand  Marshal. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.\  W.\  Grand  Master, 
I  take  pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  W.\.  Bro.  - 


-,  who  has  been  appointed  Grand  Marshal  of 
the  Grand  Lodge. 

Grand  Master:  W.\  Sir  and  Brother,  you  have 
been  appointed  Grand  Marshal  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  California,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the  jewel 
of  your  office,  and  present  you  with  this  baton  as 
the  ensign  of  your  authority. 

The  office  with  which  you  are  entrusted  is  one  of 
great  importance,  and  requires  much  skill  and 
attention  in  the  discharge  of  its  duties. 

It  is  your  duty  to  proclaim  the  Grand  Officers  at 
their  installation  and  to  superintend  all  processions 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  when  moving  as  a  body,  either 
in  public  or  private.  As  the  world  can  judge  of  our 
private  discipline  only  by  our  public  deportment, 
you  should  be  careful  to  see  that  the  utmost  order 
and  decorum  are  observed  on  all  occasions.  You 
will  be  duly  attentive  to  the  commands  of  the 
Grand  Master,  and  always  zealous  in  seeing  them 
duly  executed.  I  trust  that  you  will  give  to  your 
duties  that  study  and  attention  which  their  im- 
portance   demands. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  proper  place 
in  the  Grand  Lodge. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.'.  brother  who  has  been 
appointed   Grand  Standard  Bearer. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  Grand  Master,  I  take 
pleasure    in    presenting    to    you    W.\    Bro.    


INSTALLATION GRAND  LODGE  149 


,   who   has   been   appointed    Grand   Standard 

Bearer  of  the   Grand  Lodge. 

Grand  Master:  W.'.  Sir  and  Brother,  you  have 
been  appointed  Grand  Standard  Bearer  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  California,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the 
jewel  of  your  office. 

It  is  your  duty  to  carry  and  uphold  the  banner  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  on  occasions  of  ceremony  and  pub- 
lic procession.  This  banner,  like  that  of  the  nation, 
is  the  symbol  of  its  honor.  The  emblems  represented 
upon  it  are  as  ancient  as  the  Institution  itself,  and 
the  Ark  is  the  symbol  of  hope  and  safety.  Bear 
them  well  aloft,  for  the  world,  as  well  as  the  Craft, 
ever  honors  them.  We  commit  it  to  your  charge^ 
confident  that  you  will  strive  to  transmit  it  to  those 
who  shall  come  after  us,  without  spot  or  stain  upon 
its  folds. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  place  in  the 
Grand  Lodge. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.\  Brother  who  has  been 
appointed  Grand  Sword  Bearer. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.\  W.\  Grand  Master, 
I    take    pleasure    in    presenting    to    you    W.\    Bro. 

,    who    has    been    appointed    Grand 

Sword  Bearer  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Grand  Master:  W.\  Sir  and  Brother,  you  have 
been  appointed  Grand  Sword  Bearer  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  California,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the 
jewel  of  your  office;  I  also  entrust  to  you  the  sword 
of  the  Grand  Lodge.  It  is  the  time-honored  symbol 
of  Justice  and  authority,  and  should  always  remind 
the   beholder    of    the    dignity   of    the    Body   whose 


150  INSTALLATION GRAND    LODGE 

emblem  it  is.  It  is  also  the  guardian  protector  of 
the  standard  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  Be  ever  faithful 
to  your  trust. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  place  in  the 
Grand  Lodge. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
appointed  Grand  Bible  Bearer. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:"  M.'.  W.\  Grand  Master, 
I    take    pleasure    in    presenting    to    you    W.\    Bro. 

,  who  has  been  appointed  Grand  Bible 

Bearer  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Grand  Master:  W.\  Sir  and  Brother,  you  have 
been  appointed  Grand  Bible  Bearer  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  California,  and  T  now  invest  you  with  the 
jewel  of  your  office. 

It  is  your  duty  to  bear  the  Holy  Writing  in  all 
processions,  and  at  all  public  ceremonies  of  the 
Grand  Lodge.  Be  guided  by  the  excellent  pre- 
ceps  which  it  contains,  and  let  your  walk  and  con- 
versation among  your  brethren  be  such  as  the  vir- 
tuous may  delight  to  imitate. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  place  in  the 
Grand  Lodge. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.\  brethren  who  have  been 
appointed  Grand  Deacons. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.\  W.\  Grand  Master, 
I    take    pleasure    in    presenting    to    you    W.\    Bro. 

an(j   w.\   Bro. ,   who 

have  been  appointed  Senior  and  Junior  Grand  Dea- 
cons of  the   Grand  Lodge. 


INSTALLATION — GRAND  LODGE  LSI 

Grand  Master:  W.\  Sirs  and  Brethren,  you  have 
been  appointed  Grran,d  Deacons  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  California. 

As  messengers  of  the  Grand  Officers,  and  as  useful 
assistants  in  our  ceremonies,  your  respective  official 
positions  are  of  great  value  and  importance  to  the 
com  tort  and  good  order  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  Vigil- 
ance and  zeal  are  necessary  requisites  of  your  of- 
fices. I  feel  assured  that  you  possess  these  attri- 
butes. 

As  Senior  and  Junior  Grand  Deacons  of  this 
Grand  Lodge,  I  now  invest  you  with  the  jewels  of 
office,  and  place  in  your  hands  these  blue  rods  as 
tokens  of  your  authority.  Be  faithful  in  the  dis- 
charge  of   your   several   duties. 

You    will    now    be    conducted    to    your    respective 
stations. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.\  brethren  who  have  been 
appointed  Grand  Stewards. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  M.'.  W.'.  Grand  Master, 
I    take    pleasure    in    presenting    to    you    W.\    Bro. 

,   and  W.\   Bro.  ,   who 

have  been  appointed  Grand  Stewards  of  the  Grand 
Lodge. 

Grand  Master:  W.\  Brethren,  you  have  been 
appointed  Grand  Stewards  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
California,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the  jewels  of 
your  offices,  and  place  in  your  hands  the  white  rods 
as  symbols  of  your  positions. 

It  is  your  duty  to  superintend  the  preparation  for 
all  festive  occasions  directed  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 
It  is,  therefor,  indispensably  necessary  that  you 
yourselves  should  be  temperate  and  discreet  in  the 


152  INSTALLATION — GRAND  LODGE 

indulgence  of  your  own  inclinations,  carefully  ob- 
serving that  none  of  the  Craft  transgress  the  due 
bounds  of  moderation  in  the  enjoyment  of  their 
pleasures.  Your  regular  and  early  attendance  will 
afford  the  best  proof  of  your  zeal  and  attachment 
to  our  Grand  Lodge. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  respective 
places.  

Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
appointed  Grand  Pursuivant. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:     M.\  W.\  Grand  Master, 

I  take  pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  W.\.  Bro. 

,  who  has  been  appointed  Grand  Pursuivant 

of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Grand  Master:  W.'.  Sir  and  Brother,  you  have 
been  appointed  Grand  Pursuivant  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  California,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the 
jewel  of  your  office. 

It  is  your  duty  to  announce  all  applicants  for 
admission  to  the  Grand  Lodge  by  their  names  and 
proper  Masonic  titles;  to  guard  the  inner  door  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  and  communicate  with  the  Grand 
Tyler  without;  to  act  as  assistant  to  the  Grand 
Marshal  in  all  processions  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and 
at  all  public  ceremonies;  and  to  perform  such  other 
duties  as  may  be  required  of  you  by  the  Grand 
Master.  Be  cautious  and  vigilant  in  the  discharge 
-  of  all  your  duties. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  place  in  the 
Grand  Lodge. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
appointed  Grand  Organist. 


INSTALLATION GRAND  LODGE  153 

Master  of  Ceremonies:     M.\  W.\  Grand  Master, 
I  take  pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  W.'..  Bro. 


-,  who  has  been  appointed  Grand  Organist  of 
the  Grand  Lodge. 

Grand  Master:  W.\  Sir  and  Brother,  you  have 
been  appointed  Grand  Organist  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  California,  and  it  affords  me  great  pleasure  to 
invest  you  with  the  jewel  of  your  office. 

It  is  your  duty  to  preside  at  the  organ  at  the 
opening  and  closing,  and  other  ceremonials  of  the 
Grand  Lodge. 

May  the  delightful  labors  of  your  position  impress 
more  deeply  upon  the  minds  and  hearts  of  your 
brethren  that  harmony  is  as  essential  for  the 
strength  and  beauty  of  our  noble  Brotherhood,  as  it 
is  for  excellence  in  the  art  and  science  in  which  you 
so  greatly  excel. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  proper  place 
in  the  Grand  Lodge. 


Grand  Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you 
will  now  present  the  W.\  brother  who  has  been 
appointed  Grand  Tyler. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:     M.*.  W.\  Grand  Master, 

I  take  pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  W.\.  Bro. 

,  who  has  been  appointed  Grand  Tyler  of  the 

Grand  Lodge. 

Grand  Master:  W.\  Sir  and  Brother,  you  have 
been  appointed  Grand  Tyler  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
California,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the  jewel  of 
your  office. 

The  importance  of  your  office  cannot  be  over- 
estimated. Care  and  watchfulness  are  indispensably 
requisite.    Our  Grand  Lodge  is  a  sanctuary,  entrust- 


154  INSTALLATION — GRAND  LODGE 

ed  to  you  faithfully  and  vigilantly  to  guard,  irre- 
parable injury  might  result  from  a  negligent  or 
careless  discharge  of  your  duty.  In  your  hand  I 
place  this  implement  of  your  office.  The  sword 
should  admonish  us  all  that,  as  it  is  placed  in  your 
hands  to  enable  you  effectually  to  guard  against  the 
approach  of  cowans  and  eavesdroppers,  and  suffer 
none  to  pass  but  such  as  are  duly  qualified,  we 
should  set  a  guard  over  our  thoughts,  a  watch  at 
our  lips,  and  a  sentinel  over  our  actions;  thereby 
preventing  the  approach  of  every  unworthy  thought 
or  deed,  and  preserving  consciences  void  of  offense 
towards  God  and  towards  man. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  your  place  in  the 
Grand  Lodge,  with  the  assurance  that  you  carry 
with  you  the  respect  and  confidence  of  your  brethren. 


The  Installing  Officer  now  addresses  the  Grand 
Master  as  follows: 

M.\  W.\  Sir  and  Brother:  Let  me  congratulate 
you  on  the  honor  of  being  elected  to  the  high  station 
of  presiding  over  all  the  Lodges  of  Free  and  Ac- 
cepted Masons  in  the  great  jurisdiction  of  Cali- 
fornia. May  the  Supreme  Grand  Master  of  the 
Universe,  the  Father  of  Light,  of  Life  and  of 
Love,  give  you  wisdom  to  perform  acceptably  the 
important  duties  which,  by  the  voice  of  your  breth- 
ren, have  been  imposed  upon  you.  May  His  pro- 
tecting care  be  constantly  about  you;  and  when 
you  come  to  lay  aside  the  jewel  of  your  office,  may 
it  be  with  the  conscious  satisfaction  of  having  well 
and  faithfully  discharged  your  duty  to  Masonry,  to 
the  Lodges,  and  to  your  brethren. 

I  now  place  in  your  hands  this  emblem  of  that 
power  with  which  you  are  now  invested.     In  your 


INSTALLATION GRAND  LODGE  155 

hands  it  should  never  be  sounded  in  vain;  use  it 
only  for  the  good  of  the  Craft.  The  very  conscious- 
ness of  the  possession  of  a  "great  power  will  ever 
make  a  generous  mind  cautious  and  gentle  in  its 
exercise.  To  rule  has  been  the  lot  of  many;  to  rule 
well  has  been  the  fortune  of  but  few,  and  may  well 
be  the  object  of  an  honorable  ambition.  The  honor 
with  which  you  are  now  invested  is  not  unworthy 
of  a  man  of  the  highest  position,  or  the  most  dis- 
tinguished abilities.  May  you  do  honor  to  this 
exalted  station;  and  late,  very  late,  in  life,  may 
you  be  translated  from  the  fading  vanities  of  an 
earthly  Lodge,  to  the  mansions  prepared  for  the 
faithful  in  a  better  world. 


Officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge: — 

The  honorable  positions  to  which  you  have  been 
elected  and  appointed,  have  imposed  responsibilities 
upon  you  of  no  unimportant  character.  It  should 
be  your  earnest  desire  and  effort  to  so  prepare  your- 
selves for  the  discharge  of  these  duties  that  Free- 
masonry and  this  Grand  Lodge  may  be  the  better 
and  stronger  through  the  increased  influence  which 
you  will  thus  be  enabled  to  exert.  Your  walks  and 
conversation  among  your  brethren  everywhere  should 
be  such  as  will  aid  in  spreading  and  communicating 
light  and  instruction,  and  conduce  to  a  more  forcible 
impression  of  the  high  importance  and  dignity  of 
Freemasonry.  Let  your  love  for  our  tenets,  and 
your  zeal  in  the  good  work  be  such  as  will  indicate 
your  great  appreciation  of  the  honor  conferred,  and 
such  ;is  will  merit  the  approval  <>f  yotrr  brethren  <>t* 
this  Grand  Lodge. 


156  INSTALLATION — GRAND  LODGE 

Brethren  of  the  Grand  Lodge: — 

Such  is  the  nature  jof  our  Constitution,  that  as 
some  must  of  necessity  rule  and  teach,  so  others 
must,  of  course,  learn  to  sumbit  and  obey.  Humility 
in  both  is  an  essential  duty.  The  officers  who  have 
been  elected  and  appointed  to  govern  this  Grand 
Lodge  are  sufficiently  conversant  with  the  rules  of 
propriety  and  the  laws  of  this  Institution,  to  avoid 
exceeding  the  powers  with  which  they  are  entrusted; 
and  you  are  of  too  generous  disposition  to  envy  their 
preferment.  I,  therefore,  trust  that  you  will  have 
but  one  aim  to  please  one  another  and  unite  in  the 
grand  design  of  being  happy  and  communicating 
happiness. 

My  brethren,  one  and  all,  may  you  long  enjoy 
every  satisfaction  and  delight  which  disinterested 
friendship  can  afford.  May  kindness  and  brotherly 
affection  distinguish  your  conduct  as  men  and  Ma- 
sons. May  your  children's  children  celebrate,  with 
joy  and  gratitude,  the  annual  recurrence  of  this 
auspicuous  solemnity.  And  may  the  tenets  of  our 
profession  be  transmitted  through  this  Grand  Lodge, 
pure  and  unimpared,  from  generation  to  generation. 


Grand  Master:  M.\  W.*.  Grand  Master,  behold 
your  brethren. 

Brethren  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  behold  your  Grand 
Master. 

Brother  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  now 
assemble  the  brethren  of  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the 
purpose  of  saluting  the  M.\  W.'.  Grand  Master. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  Brethren  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  you  will  assemble  for  the  purpose  of  saluting 
the  M.*.  W.\  Grand  Master. 


INSTALLATION — GRAND  LODGE  157 

The  Stewards,  with  their  rods,  lead  the  procession, 
once  around  the  Grand  Lodge  room.  The  Master 
of  Ceremonies,  when  the  line  has  halted  and  faced 
inward,  says: 

Master  of  Ceremonies:     Brethren,  you  will  unite 

with  me  in  the grand  honors  to  our  M.\  W.'. 

Grand  Master. 

Installing  Officer:  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will 
now  make  the  usual  proclamation. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  By  order  of  the  M.\  W.\ 
Grand  Master,  I  now  proclaim  the  Grand  Officers, 
elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year, 
to  be  duly  installed. 

Appropriate  music. 


INSTALLATION  SERVICE   FOR 
SUBORDINATE  LODGES 

Prepared  by  our  Late   Brother,  John   W.   Shaeffer, 

Grand  Lecturer,  and  Approved  by 

the   Grand  Lodge. 


The  Lodge  is  opened  in  the  Third  Degree. 

The  Master  then  says:  Brethren,  this  Lodge 
having  convened  for  the  purpose  of  installing  the 
officers,  elected  and  appointed  for  the  ensuing  Ma- 
sonic year,  the  Secretary  will  read  their  names. 

The  Secretary  reads  the  names.  The  Master  then 
says:  After  the  Lodge  is  called  from  labor  to  re- 
freshment, the  officers  elected  and  appointed  for  the 
ensuing  Masonic  year  will  retire  and  prepare  for  the 
ceremony  of  installation,  and  the  present  officers  will 
vacate  their  places  and  surrender  their  jewels.  I  will 
appoint  Bro. Master  of  Ceremonies. 

The  Lodge  is  then  called  from  labor  to  refresh- 
ment. 

When  the  officers  elected  and  appointed  have  re- 
tired, the  Master  of  Ceremonies  forms  them  in  pro- 
cession in  the  following  order: 

Master  of  Ceremonies     and  Tyler. 
Master 

Senior  Warden  and  Junior  Warden. 

Treasurer  and  Secretary. 

Chaplain  and   Marshal. 

Senior  Deacon  and  Junior  Deacon. 

Senior  Steward  and  Junior  Steward. 


INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE    LODGE  L50 

After  the  procession  is  formed,  the  M.islcr  of  Cere- 
monies informs  the  Master.  The  Master  then  calls 
the  Lodge  to  order  and  says: 

Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  are  the  of- 
ficers of  this  Lodge,  lately  chosen,  present  and  ready 
to  be  installed  in  their  respective  offices'? 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  They  are  without,  Wor- 
shipful Master,  and  await  your  pleasure. 

Master:  You  will  then  conduct  them  to  the  seats 
prepared  for  them. 

(Enter  with  music.) 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  Worshipful  Master:  The 
officers  of  this  Lodge,  lately  chosen,  are  present  and 
ready  to  be  installed  in  their  respective  offices. 

Master:  You  will  then  present  to  me  the  Brother 
who  has  been  elected  to  discharge  the  important 
duties  of  Master  of  thi&  Lodge. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:     I  have  great  pleasure  in 

presenting  to  you  Bro.  ,  who  has  been  elected 

by  this  Lodge  to  be  its  Master  for  the  ensuing 
Masonic  year. 

Master:     Is  it  known  that  Brother  is  well 

skilled  in  our  ancient  Craft?  Is  he  zealous  in  his 
regard  for  the  interests  of  our  Order?  And  is  he 
duly  qualified  to  discharge  the  special  duties  of  the 
Master's  chair? 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  It  is  well  known  that  he  is 
all  this,  Worshipful  Master.  This  Certificate,  vouch- 
ing for  his  proficiency  in  the  ritual  of  our  Order,  is 
evidence  that  he  is  well  skilled  in  our  ancient  Craft. 

(Presents  Certificate.) 
I  find  him  to  be  of  good  morals,  true  and  trusty,  and 
as  he  is  a  lover  of  the  Fraternity,  I  doubt  not  that 


160  INSTALLATION SUBORDINATE    LODGE 

he  will  discharge  his  duties  with  fidelity  and  with 
honor. 

Master:  Worshipful  Sir,  the  brethren  of  this 
Lodge,  imposing  confidence  in  your  integrity,  in  your 
zealous  regard  for  the  interests  of  Masonry,  and  in 
your  ability  to  discharge  the  duties  of  the  Master's 
chair,  have  chosen  you  to  occupy  that  honorable 
position  during  the  ensuing  year.  Are  you  willing 
to  accept  this  important  trust? 

Master-Elect:     I  am. 

Master:  You  will  then  face  your  brethren  of  the 
Lodge. 

(Master-Elect  faces.) 

Master:      Brethren,  you  now  behold  before  you 

Bro. ,  who  has  been  duly  elected  to  serve  this 

Lodge  as  Worshipful  Master,  and  who  is  now  about 
to  be  installed.  If  any  of  you  have  any  reasons  to 
urge  why  he  should  not  be  installed,  you  will  now 
make  them  known  or  forever  after  hold  your  peace. 

My  brother,  you  will  face  the  East. 

W.\  Brother,  hearing  no  objection,  I  shall  most 
cheerfully  proceed  to  install  you  in  the  dignified  and 
honorable  position  to  which  the  suffrages  of  your 
brethren  have  called  you;  not  doubting  that  the 
dignity  of  the  Oriental  Chair  will  be  well  preserved 
in  your  keeping,  and  that  the  interest  and  welfare  of 
this  Lodge  may  be  safely  confided  to  your  charge. 
Before  commencing  your  investure,  however,  it  is 
necessary  that  you  should  signify  your  assent  to 
those  ancient  charges  and  regulations  which  point 
out  the  duties  of  the  Master  of  a  Lodge,  and  which 
on  no  account  are  ever  to  be  neglected  or  departed 
from.    They  are  as  follows:  — 


INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE   LODGE  161 

T.  You  agree  to  be  a  good  man  and  true,  and 
strictly  to  obey  the  moral  law. 

II.  You  agree  to  be  a  peaceable  citizen,  and  cheer- 
fully to  conform  to  the  laws  of  the  country  in  which 
you  reside. 

III.  You  promise  not  to  be  concerned  in  plots  and 
conspiracies  against  government,  but  patiently  to 
submit  to  the  decision  of  the  supreme  Legislature. 

IV.  You  agree  to  pay  a  proper  respect  to  the  civil 
magistrate,  to  work  diligently,  live  creditably,  and 
act  honorably  by  all  men. 

V.  You  agree  to  "hold  in  veneration  the  original 
rulers  and  patrons  of  the  Order  of  Masonry,  and 
their  regular  successors,  supreme  and  subordinate, 
according  to  their  stations;  and  to  submit  to  the 
awards  and  resolutions  of  your  Brethren,  when  con- 
vened, in  every  case  consistent  with  the  Constitu- 
tions of  the  Order. 

VI.  You  agree  to  avoid  private  piques  and  quar- 
rels, and  to  guard  against  intemperance  and  excess. 

VII.  You  agree  to  be  cautious  in  carriage  and 
behavior,  courteous  to  your  brethren,  and  faithful 
to  your  Lodge. 

VIII.  You  promise  to  respect  genuine  Brethren, 
and  to  discountenance  imopstors  and  all  dissenters 
from  the  original  plan  of  Masonry. 

IX.  You  agree  to  promote  the  general  good  of 
society,,  to  cultivate  social  virtues,  and  to  propa- 
gate the  knowledge  of  the  Art. 

X.  You  promise  to  pay  homage  to  the  Grand 
Master  for  the  time  being,  and  to  his  officers  when 
duly  installed;  and  strictly  to  conform  to  every  edict 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  or  General  Assembly  of  Masons, 
that  is  not  subversive  of  the  principles  and  ground- 
work of  Masonry. 


162  INSTALLATION SUBORDINATE    LODGE 

XI.  You  admit  that  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  any 
man  or  body  of  men  to  make  innovations  in  the 
body  of  Masonry. 

XII.  You  promise  a  regular  attendance  on  the 
committees  and  communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
on  receiving  proper  notice,  and  to  pay  attention  to 
all  the  duties  of  Masonry  on  convenient  occasions. 

XIII.  You  admit  that  no  new  Lodge  should  be 
formed  without  permission  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  and 
that  no  countenance  should  be  given  to  any  irregular 
Lodge,  or  to  any  person  clandestinely  initiated 
therein, — being  contrary  to  the  ancient  charges  of 
the  Order. 

XIV.  You  admit  that  no  person  can  be  regularly 
made  a  Mason  in,  or  admitted  a  member  of,  any 
regular  Lodge,  without  previous  notice,  and  due  in- 
quiry into  his  character. 

XV.  You  agree  that  no  visitors  shall  be  received 
into  your  Lodge  without  due  examination,  and 
producing  proper  vouchers  of  their  having  been 
initiated  in  a  regular  Lodge. 

These  are  among  the  regulations  of  Free  and  Ac- 
cepted Masons,  and  to  these  your  assent  must  be 
freely  given.  Do  you  submit  to  these  charges  and 
promise  to  support  these  regulations,  as  Masters 
have  done  in  all  ages  before  you? 

Master-Elect:    I  do. 

Master:  Then,  my  Brother,  in  consequence  of  this 
assurance,  and  with  full  confidence  in  your  capacity 
and  zeal,  I  will  now  install  you  Worshipful  Master 
of Lodge,  No. — .  Bro.  Master  of  Cere- 
monies, you  will  invest  him  with  this  jewel  of  his 
station. 

Master:  That,  my  Brother,  is  an  emblem  of  mor- 
ality; and  as  it  is  the  especial  badge  of  the  Master's 


INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE   LODGE  163 

office,  it  should  constantly  remind  you  that  not  only 
by  precept,  but  by  example,  you  should  promote  good 
morals  among  the  Brethren,  and  thus  endeavor  to 
avert  the  shadow  of  any  scandal  or  reproach  against 
the  Fraternity.  Your  former  life  has  given  evidence 
that  this  jewel  will  not  be  an  unmeaning  symbol  in 
your  hands,  and  I  solemnly  charge  you  to  take  good 
care  that  its  lustre  be  not  dimmed  through  any  act 
of  yours. 

I  now  present  you  with  the  Book  of  Holy  Writ- 
ings. It  is  the  great  Light  in  Masonry,  and  should 
ever  be  the  great  law  of  the  Brotherhood.  It  will 
guide  you  to  all  truth;  it  will  direct  you  to  eternal 
happiness;  and  an  attentive  regard  to  the  divine 
precepts  it  contains  will  insure  you  success  in  the 
fulfillment  of  the  duties  you  are  now  about  to 
assume. 

The  working  tools  of  our  Craft  will  next  be  given 
you  that,  as  the  Master  Workman,  you  may  instruct 
the  Craftsmen  in  the  various  duties  and  virtues 
which  they  have  been  selected  to  illustrate. 

The  Square — teaches  us  well  to  regulate  our  every 
action,  and  to  let  our  conduct  be  governed  by  the 
principles  of  Morality  and  Virtue. 

The  Compass — teaches  us  to  limit  our  desires  in 
every  station,  and  never  to  suffer  our  passions  or 
our  prejudices  to  become  the  masters  of  our  judg- 
ment. 

The  Eule — directs  the  undeviating  discharge  of  all 
our  duties;  that  we  should  press  forward  in  the 
straight  path  of  right  and  truth  without  inclining 
to  the  one  hand  or  the  other;  in  all  our  doings  hav- 
ing Eternity  in  view. 

The  Plumb-line — is  an  emblem  of  moral  rectitude. 
It  teaches  us  to  avoid  all  dissimulation  and  to  pursue 


164  INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE   LODGE 

that  honest  and  upright  course  in  life  which  will 
tend  to  our  elevation  in  the  higher  realms  of  im- 
mortality. 

There  are  still  other  important  things  which  you 
will  receive  in  charge.  This  Book  of  Constitutions 
you  are  expected  diligently  to  search,  and  from  time 
to  time  to  cause  its  contents  to  be  read  in  your 
Lodge,  that  none  may  remain  ignorant  of  the  pre- 
cepts it  enjoins,  or  of  the  ordinances  which  it  pro- 
mulgates. 

This  Book  contains  the  By-Laws  of  your  Lodge, 
which  it  will  be  your  especial  duty  to  see  carefully 
and  punctually  executed. 

And  this  is  the  Charter — under  the  authority  of 
which  your  Lodge  is  held,  and  which  you  are  care- 
fully to  preserve,  and  duly  transmit  to  your  suc- 
cessor in  the  Master's  chair. 

Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  conduct  the 
Master  to  his  station  in  the  East. 

(Music.) 

Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  now 
present  the  Senior  Warden-elect. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:     Worshipful  Master,  I  now 

present  to  you  for  installation  Bro.  ■ ,  who  has 

been  duly  elected  to  serve  as  Senior  Warden  of  this 
Lodge.  He  is  of  good  morals,  true  and  trusty,  and 
possesses  the  love  and  confidence  of  his  Brethren. 

Master:     Bro. ,  you  have  been  duly  elected 

Senior  Warden  of  this  Lodge,  and  I  now  invest  you 
with  this  distinctive  badge  of  your  honorable 
station. 

The  Level  demontsrates  that  we  are  descended 
from  the  same  stock,  that  we  partake  of  the  same 
nature,  and  share  the  same  hope;  and  that,  although 


INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE    LODGE  165 

distinctions  among  men  are  necessary  to  preserve 
subordination,  yet  no  eminence  of  station  should 
make  us  forget  that  we  are  Brethren;  for  he  who  is 
placed  on  the  lowest  spoke  of  fortune's  wheel  may 
be  entitled  to  our  regard;  because  a  time  will  come, 
and  the  wisest  know  not  how  soon,  when  all  distinc- 
tion save  that  of  goodness  shall  cease;  and  death, 
the  mighty  leveler  of  human  greatness,  reduce  us  to 
the  same  state. 

Your  regular  attendance  on  our  stated  meetings 
is  essentially  necessary.  In  the  absence  of  the  Mas- 
ter, you  are  to  govern  the  Lodge;  in  his  presence, 
you  are  to  assist  him  in  the  government  of  it.  I 
firmly  rely  on  your  knowledge  of  Masonry,  and  at- 
tachment to  the  Lodge,  for  the  faithful  discharge  of 
the  duties  of  this  important  trust.  Look  well  to  the 
West! 

(Music.) 

Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  next 
present  the  Junior  Warden-elect. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:    Worshipful  Master,  I  now 

present  to  you  for  installation  Bro.  ,  who  has 

been  duly  elected  by  this  Lodge  to  serve  as  Junior 
Warden  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Master:    Bro. ,  you  have  been  elected  Junior 

Warden  of  this  Lodge,  and  I  now  invest  you  with 
this  badge  of  your  high  position. 

The  Plumb  admonishes  us  to  walk  uprightly  in 
our  several  stations,  to  hold  the  scale  of  justice  in 
equal  poise,  to  observe  the  just  medium  between 
intemperance  and  pleasure,  and  to  make  our  pas- 
sions and  prejudices  coincide  with  the  line  of  our 
duty. 

To  you  is  committed  the  superintendence  of  the 
Craft  dtiring  the  hours  of  refreshment;  it  is7  there- 


166  INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE   LODGE 

fore,  indispensably  necessary  that  you  should  not 
only  be  temperate  and  discreet  in  the  indulgence  of 
your  own  inclinations,  but  that  you  should  carefully 
observe  that  none  of  the  Craft  be  suffered  to  con- 
vert the  means  of  refreshment  into  intemperance 
and  excess. 

Your  regular  and  punctual  attendance  is  partic- 
ularly requested;  and  I  have  no  doubt  that  you  will 
faithfully  execute  the  duty  which  you  owe  to  your 
present  appointment.    Look  well  to  the  South. 
(Music.) 

Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  next 
present  the  Treasurer-elect. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:    Worshipful  Master,  I  take 

pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  Bro.  ,  who  has 

been  elected  Treasurer  of  this  Lodge. 

Master:  Bro. ,  you  have  been  elected  Treas- 
urer of  this  Lodge,  and  I  now  invest  you  with  the 
badge  of  your  office.  The  Keys,  forming  the  jewel 
of  your  station,  have  a  twofold  significance.  They 
are  instruments  to  bind  as  well  as  to  make  loose;  to 
make  fast  as  well  as  to  open.  They  will  never,  I  am 
confident,  be  used  by  you  in  any  other  manner  than 
that  which  the  Constitution,  Laws  and  Eegulations 
of  the  Lodge  shall  direct.  You  will  receive  all 
moneys  from  the  Secretary,  keep  a  just  and  accurate 
account  thereof,  and  pay  the  same  out,  by  order  of 
the  Worshipful  Master,  and  the  consent  of  the 
Lodge. 

(Music.) 

Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  next 
present  the  Secretary-elect. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  'Worshipful  Master,  I  take 
pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  Bro.  — ,  who  has 


INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE    LODGE  167 

been  elected  Secretary  of  this  Lodge  for  the  ensuing 
year. 

Master:  Bro.  ,  you  have  been  elected  Sec- 
retary of  this  Lodge,  and  I  will  now  invest  you  with 
the  badge  of  your  office.  In  investing  you  with 
your  official  jewel,  the  Pens,  I  am  persuaded  that 
they  will  make  an  endearing  record,  not  only  to 
your  praise,  but  also  to  the  welfare  of  this  Lodge. 
It  is  your  duty  to  observe  the  will  and  pleasure  of 
the  Worshipful  Master,  to  keep  a  faithful  record  of 
all  things  proper  to  be  written,  transmit  a  copy  of 
the  same  to  the  Grand  Lodge  when  required,  receive 
all  moneys  from  the  Brethren,  pay  the  same  to  the 
Trasurer,  and  take  his  receipt  therefor. 

(Music.) 

Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  next 
present  our  worthy  Chaplain  for  installation. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:    Worshipful  Master,  I  take 

pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  Bro.  ,  who  has 

been  appointed  Chaplain  of  this  Lodge. 

Master:  Reverend  and  Worshipful  Brother:  That 
Holy  Book,  which  is  the  Chart  and  text  book  of 
your  sacred  calling,  is  also  the  great  Light  in  Ma- 
sonry, and  forever  sheds  it  benignant  rays  upon 
every  lawful  assemblage  of  Free  and  Accepted 
Masons.  Teach  us  from  its  life-giving  precepts;  in- 
voke upon  our  labors  the  blessing  of  that  Divine 
Being  whose  infinite  goodness  it  so  fully  reveals  and 
unfolds  to  us;  and  warn  us  by  its  lessons  of  wisdom 
and  truth;  and  you  will  have  faithfully  performed 
your  sacred  functions  and  fulfilled  your  important 
trust.  It  is  your  duty  to  perform  those  solemn 
services  which  we  should  constantly  render  to  our 
great  Creator,  and  which,  when  offered  by  one  whose 


168  INSTALLATION SUBORDINATE    LODGE 

holy  profession  is  to  il  allure  to  brighter  worlds  and 
lead  the  way,"  may,  by  elevating  our  thoughts, 
strengthening  our  virtues,  and  purifying  our  minds, 
prepare  us  for  admission  into  the  society  of  the 
blessed  in  the  realms  of  Life  and  Light  eternal.  It 
is  fitting  that  an  emblem  of  the  sacred  volume 
should  be  the  jewel  of  your  office,  and  with  it  I  now 
invest  you. 

(Music.) 

Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  now 
present  the  Brother  who  has  been  appointed  Marshal 
of  this  Lodge. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:    Worshipful  Master,  I  take 

pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  Bro.  ,  who  has 

been  appointed  Marshal  of  this  Lodge. 

Master:     Bro.  ,  you  have  been  appointed 

Marshal  of  this  Lodge,  and  I  now  present  you  with 
the  jewel  and  symbol  of  your  office. 

The  Baton  is  an  emblem  of  command,  and  is  suf- 
ficiently significant  of  your  duties.  You  will,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Master,  take  charge  of  all  pro- 
cessions of  the  Lodge,  and  as  the  proper  perform- 
ance of  many  ceremonies  will  depend  upon  the 
manner  in  which  your  duties  are  discharged,  you  are 
enjoined  to  be  most  careful  in  their  performance. 
You  will  now  take  your  proper  place. 
(Music.) 

Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  now 
present  the  Brethren  who  have  been  appointed  to 
serve  this  Lodge  as  Senior  and  Junior  Deacons. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  Worshipful  Master,  I 
have  the  pleasure  to  present  to  you  for  installation 

Brothers and ,  who  have  been  appointed 

to  serve  this  Lodge  as  Senior  and  Junior  Deacons. 


INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE    LODGE  169 

Master:     Brothers  and  ,  you  have 

been  appointed  Deacons  of  this  Lodge,  and  you  will 
now  receive  the  jewels  of  your  office.  They  indicate 
that  it  is  your  province  to  attend  upon  the  Master 
and  Wardens,  and  to  act  as  their  proxies,  in  the 
active  duties  of  this  Lodge.  It  will  be  your  especial 
duty,  Bro.  Senior  Deacon,  to  carry  orders  from  the 
Worshipful  Master  in  the  East,  to  the  Senior  War- 
den in  the  West,  and  elsewhere  about  the  Lodge  as 
required;  to  attend  to  all  alarms  at  the  door  of  the 
preparation  room,  receive  and  conduct  candidates 
during  their  initiation,  and  to  introduce  and  accom- 
modate visiting  Brethren.  You,  Brother  Junior 
Deacon,  will  carry  messages  from  the  Senior  War- 
den in  the  West,  to  the  Junior  Warden  in  the  South, 
and  elsewhere  about  the  Lodge  as  directed.  You  will 
attend  to  all  alarms  at  the  door,  and  see  that  the 
Lodge  is  duly  tyled.  Those  Eods,  my  brothers,  dis- 
tinctive of  your  office,  will  now  be  entrusted  to  your 
care;  and  believing  from  your  past  deportment  in 
the  Lodge,  that  your  duties  will  be  discharged  with 
ability  and  zeal,  I  dismiss  you  to  your  respective 
places. 

(Music.) 

Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will 
now  present  the  Brethren  who  are  to  serve  this 
Lodge  as  Stewards. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:    Worshipful  Master,  I  take 

pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  Brothers  and 

,    who    have    been    appointed    to    serve    this 

Lodge  as  Stewards  for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year. 

Master:     Brothers  and  ,  you  have 

been  appointed  Stewards  of  this  Lodge,  and  I  will 
now  instruct  you  in  your  duties:  In  olden  times, 
your  province  was  to  superintend  and  provide  for 


170  INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE    LODGE 

the  Festivals  of  the  Craft,  to  assist  in  the  collection 
of  dues  and  subscriptions,  to  keep  an  account  of  the 
expenses  for  refreshments,  and  to  see  that  the  tables 
were  properly  supplied  and  every  Brother  suitably 
provided  for.  In  later  times,  however,  the  pro- 
vision of  actual  refreshment  in  Lodges  has  generally 
ceased,  and  your  functions  will  now  be  to  prepare 
candidates  for  admission,  and  to  perform  those 
duties  which  Masonic  custom  has  assigned  to  you 
on  days  of  Procession.  Keceive  the  jewels  of  your 
office,  together  with  the  White  Eods,  and  repair  to 
your  respective  places. 

(Music.) 

Master:  Bro.  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  now 
present  the  Brother  who  has  been  appointed  Tyler 
of  this  Lodge. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:    Worshipful  Master,  I  now 

present  to  you  Bro.  ,  who  has  been  appointed 

Tyler  of  this  Lodge. 

Master:     Bro.  ,  you  have  been  appointed 

Tyler  of  this  Lodge,  and  I  now  present  you  with  this 
jewel  and  implement  of  your  office.  As  the  sword 
is  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Tyler,  to  enable  him 
effectually  to  guard  against  the  approach  of  cowans 
and  eavesdroppers,  and  suffer  none  to  pass  or  repass 
but  such  as  are  duly  qualified,  so  should  it  admonish 
us  to  set  a  guard  over  our  thoughts,  a  watch  at  our 
lips,  and  post  a  sentinel  over  our  actions;  thereby 
preventing  the  approach  of  every  unworthy  thought 
and  deed,  and  preserving  consciences  void  of  offense 
toward  God  and  Man.  You  will  now  repair  to  your 
proper  place. 

(Music.) 

Master:  Worshipful  Master:  I  congratulate  you 
on  your  ascension  to  this  time-honored  seat.     The 


INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE    LODGE  171 

duties  incumbent  upon  you  in  your  exalted  station 
are  fraught  with  grave  responsibilities.  Remember 
that  the  honor,  reputation,  and  usefulness  of  your 
Lodge  will  materially  depend  upon  the  skill  and  as- 
siduity with  which  you  manage  its  concerns,  and 
that  the  happiness  of  its  members  will  be  generally 
promoted  in  proportion  to  the  watchful  care  with 
which  you  cherish  the  genuine  principles  of  our  In- 
stitution. 

For  a  pattern  of  imitation,  consider  the  great  lum- 
inary of  nature,  which,  rising  in  the  East,  regularly 
diffuses  light  and  lustre  to  all  within  its  circle.  In 
like  manner,  it  is  your  province  to  spread  and  com- 
municate light  and  instruction  to  the  Brethren  of 
your  Lodge.  Forcibly  impress  upon  them  the  dig- 
nity and  high  importance  of  Masonry;  and  seriously 
admonish  them  never  to  disgrace  it.  Charge  them  to 
practice  out  of  the  Lodge  those  duties  which  they 
have  been  taught  in  it;  and  by  amiable,  discreet, 
and  virtuous  conduct,  to  convince  mankind  of  the 
goodness  of  this  Institution;  so  that,  when  a  person 
is  said  to  be  a  member  of  it,  the  world  may  know 
that  he  is  one  to  whom  the  burdened  heart  may 
pour  out  its  sorrows,  one  to  whom  distress  may 
prefer  its  suit;  one  whose  hand  is  guided  by  justice, 
and  whos  heart  is  expanded  by  benovelence.  In 
short,  by  a  diligent  observance  of  the  By-Laws  of 
your  Lodge,  the  Constitutions  of  Masonry,  and, 
above  all,  the  Holy  Scriptures,  which  are  given  as 
the  rule  and  guide  of  your  faith,  you  will  be  en- 
abled to  acquit  yourself  with  the  highest  honors 
here  and  lay  up  a  crown  of  rejoicing  which  shall 
continue  when  time  shall  be  no  more. 

Brother  Senior  and  Junior  Wardens: — You  are 
too  well  acquainted  with  the  principles  of  Masonry 


172  INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE    LODGE 

to  warrant  any  distrust  that  you  will  be  found 
wanting  in  the  discharge  of  your  respective  duties. 
Suffice  it  to  say,  that  what  you  have  seen  praise- 
worthy in  others,  you  should  carefully  imitate;  and 
what  in  them  may  have  appeared  defective,  you 
should  yourselves  avoid.  You  should  be  examples 
of  discretion  and  propriety;  for  it  is  only  by  a  due 
regard  for  our  laws  and  regulations  as  shown  in 
your  own  conduct,  that  you  can  expect  obedience 
to  them  from  others.  You  are  assiduously  to  assist 
the  Master  in  the  discharge  of  his  trust;  diffusing 
light  and  imparting  knowledge  to  all  whom  he  shall 
place  under  your  care. 

In  the  absence  of  the  Master  you  will  succeed  to 
higher  duties;  your  acquirements  must  therefore  be 
such  as  will  insure  proper  instruction  to  the  Craft. 
From  the  spirit  which  you  have  hitherto  evinced,  I 
entertain  no  doubt  that  your  future  conduct  will  be 
such  as  will  merit  the  applause  of  your  Brethren, 
and  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience. 

Brethren  of  Lodge,  No.  — :     Such  is  the 

nature  of  our  Constitution,  that  as  some  must,  of 
necessity,  rule  and  teach,  so  must  others,  of  course, 
learn  to  submit  and  obey.  Humility  in  both  is  an 
essential  duty.  The  officers  who  have  been  chosen 
to  govern  your  Lodge  are  sufficiently  conversant 
with  the  rules  of  propriety  and  the  Laws  of  the 
Institution  to  avoid  exceeding  the  power  with  which 
they  are  intrusted;  and  you  are  of  too  generous  dis- 
position to  envy  their  preferment.  I  therefore  trust 
that  you  will  have  but  one  aim — to  please  one  an- 
other, and  unite  in  the  grand  design  of  promoting 
happiness. 

Finally,  my  Brethren,  as  this  association  has  been 
formed   and   perfected   in   so   much   unaminity   and 


INSTALLATION — SUBORDINATE    LODGE  l/o 

concord,  so  may  it  long  continue.  May  you  long 
enjoy  every  satisfaction  and  delight  which  disinter 
ested  friendship  can  afford.  May  kindness  and 
brotherly  affection  distinguish  your  conduct  as  men 
and  as  Masons. 

Within  your  peaceful  walls  may  your  children's 
children  celebrate,  with  joy  and  gratitude,  the 
annual  recurrence  of  this  auspicuous  solemnity. 
And  may  the  tenets  of  our  profession  be  trans- 
mitted through  this  Lodge,  pure  and  unimpaired, 
from  generation  to   generation. 

Worshipful  Master:  It  now  remains  for  me  to 
present  to  you  the  Gavel,  the  emblem  of  power.  In 
the  hands  of  the  Master,  it  may  be  made  the  instru- 
ment of  great  good,  or  of  greater  evil.  With  it, 
the  Master  governs  his  Lodge;  and  the  welfare  and 
prosperity  of  your  Lodge,  in  a  great  measure,  de- 
pend upon  its  judicious  use.  In  your  hands,  I  am 
confident,  it  will  be  wielded  for  the  best  interests 
of  your  Brethren. 

Master,  behold  your  Brethren!  Brethren,  behold 
your  Master! 

The  Brethren  of Lodge,  No.  — ,  will,  under 

the  direction  of  the  Master  of  Ceremonies,  form  in 
procession  and  salute  their  Worshipful  Master  in 
due  and  ancient  form. 

(After  Procession.) 

Master:  Brother  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will 
now  make  Proclamation. 

Master  of  Ceremonies:  By  order  of  the  Most 
Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Ma- 
sons of  the  State  of  California,  I  do  now  proclaim 
the  Officers  of  Lodge,  No.  — ,  to  be  duly  in- 
stalled. 

(The  Worshipful  Master  then  seats  the  Lodge.) 


RECORD  BOOK  OF  EXAMPLE  LODGE 

No.— ,  F.  &-A.M., 

AT  MASONVILLE,  MASON  CO.,  CAL. 


A  Suggestive  Formula  for  the  Use  of  Secretaries  of 
Lodges  in  Opening  and  Keeping  Their  Beeord- 
Books:     Eecommended    by    Eesolution    of 
the      Grand      Lodge      of      California. 


Prepared  by  the  Grand  Secretary  in  1866,  and  Now 
Kevised  and  Enlarged.     San  Francisco,  1887. 


First  Preliminary  Meeting. 

Masonville,   Mason    Co.,    Cal., 
Saturday,  January  1st,  A.  L.  5887. 
The  following  named  brethren,  recognized  by  each 
other  as  Master  Masons  in  good  standing,  assembled 
at  (here  name  the  house),  in  the  place  and  on  the 
day  above  written,  at  7  o'clock,  P.  M.,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  taking  the  necessary  measures  for  the  es- 
tablishment of  a  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Ma- 
sons, viz: — 
Bro.  Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Bro.  Geo.  G.  Griffith, 

Benjamin  B.  Brown, 

Charles  C.  Carroll, 

Daniel  D.  Dawson, 

Edward  E.  English, 

Francis  F.  Foster, 


Henry  H.   Hudson, 
Isaac  I.  Inman, 
James  J.  Johnson, 
Kenneth  K.  Kennedy, 
Lemuel  L.  Lincoln. 


FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE  175 

On  motion  of  Bro.  Isaac  I.  Inman,  Bro.  Alfred  A. 
Andrews  was  called  to  the  chair;  and,  on  motion  of 
Bro.  Francis  F.  Foster,  Bro.  Edward  E.  English  was 
named  as  Secretary. 

The  Chairman  stated  the  object  of  the  meeting, 
and  suggested  that  the  first  step  taken  should  be 
the  selection  of  a  name  for  the  proposed  new  Lodge; 
wThereupon,  after  sundry  propositions  and  some  dis- 
cussion, on  motion  of  Bro.  Benjamin  B.  Brown,  it 
was — 

Ordered,  That  the  Lodge,  now  sought  to  be  estab- 
lished, shall  be  called  Example  Lodge. 

The  Chairman  then  proposed  as  the  next  requisite 
measure,  a  selection  of  Master  and  Wardens  to  be 
named  in  the  petition  for  a  Dispensation;  where- 
upon, on  motion  of  Bro.  Geo.  G.  Griffith,  it  was — 

Ordered,  That  this  meeting  now  proceed,  by  bal- 
lot, to  nominate  a  Master,  a  Senior  Warden,  and  a 
Junior  Warden,  for  recommendation  to  the  Grand 
Master. 

The  Chairman  named  Bros.  Geo.  G.  Griffith  and 
Henry  H.  Hudson  as  tellers,  who,  having  received 
and  canvassed  the  vote  of  those  present,  announced 
that  the  following  named  brethren  had  been  chosen 
for  such  nomination,  viz.: 

Bro.  Alfred  A.  Andrews,  for  Master, 
"    Benjamin  B.  Brown,  for  Senior  Warden, 
11    Charles  C.  Carroll,  for  Junior  Warden, 

The  Chairman  then  stated  that  the  preparation  of 
a  petition  to  the  Grand  Master  would  be  next  in 
order;  whereupon,  on  motion  of  Bro.  James  J.  John- 
son, it  was — 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed 
to  prepare  a  petition,  in  accordance  with  the  form 
prescribed  by  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge 


176  FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE 

of  the  State  of  California,  to  be  presented  the  Grand 
Master  of  Masons  therein,  praying  him  to  grant  a 
Dispensation  to  form  and  open  a  Lodge  of  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons  at  this  place,  to  be  called  Example 
Lodge. 

The  Chairman  named  as  such  committee — 

SBro.  James  J.  Johnson, 
"    Daniel  D.  Dawson. 
"    Charles  C.  Carroll, 
After    a    brief    recess,    during    which    the    duty 
assigned  to  the  committee  had  been  performed,  the 
meeting  was  again  called  to  order;  and  the  petition, 
of   which   the   following  was   a   copy,   having  been 
presented    by    the    committee    and    approved,    was 
signed  by  all  those  present,  as  here  set  forth: — 

Petition   for  Dispensation 
To  Form  and  Open  Example  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M. 

"To  the  Most  Worshipful  E C A , 

"Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  California: — 
"The  petition  of  the  undersigned  respectfully 
represents  that  they  are  Master  Masons  in  good 
standing;  that  they  were  last  members,  of  the  re- 
spective Lodges  named  opposite  their  several  signa- 
tures hereunto,  as  will  appear  from  the  dimit  of 
each  of  the  petitioners,  herewith  transmitted;  that 
they  reside  in  or  near  the  town  of  Masonville,  in 
the  County  of  Mason,  State  of  California;  that 
among  them  are  a  sufficient  number  of  brethren  well 
qualified  to  open  and  hold  a  Lodge  of  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons,  and  to  discharge  all  of  its  various 
duties  in  the  three  degrees  of  Ancient  Masonry,  in 
accordance  with  established  usage;  and  that,  having 
the  prosperity  of  the  Craft  at  heart,  and  being  de- 


FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE  177 

sirous  to  use  their  best  endeavors  for  the  diffusion 
of  its  beneficient  principles,  they  pray  for  a  Dispen- 
sation empowering  them  to  form,  open,  and  hold  a 
regular  Lodge  at  the  town  of  Masonville,  aforesaid, 
to  be  called  Example  Lodge. 

"They  have  nominated  and  respectfully  recom- 
mended Brother  Alfred  Albert  Andrews  as  the  first 
Master,  Brother  Benjamin  Bruce  Brown  as  the  first 
Senior  Warden,  and  Brother  Charles  Clarence  Carroll 
as  the  first  Junior  Warden  of  the  said  Lodge,  they 
being  each,  in  all  respects,  competent  to  perform 
all  the  duties  of  either  of  the  stations  for  which 
they  are  severally  proposed;  and,  if  the  prayer  of 
the  petitioners  be  granted,  they  promise  in  all  things 
strict  obedience  to  the  commands  of  the  Grand 
Master,  and  undeviating  conformity  to  the  Consti- 
tution and  Eegulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

"Dated  at  Masonville,  on  the  first  day  of  Jan- 
uary, A.   L.   5887. 

"Alfred  Albert  Andrews,  Drummond  Lodge  No. 
1,  Maine; 

"Benjamin  Bruce  Brown,  Tucker  Lodge,  No.  2, 
Vermont; 

"Charles  Clarence  Carroll,  Mackey  Lodge,  No.  3, 
South  Carolina; 

"Daniel  David  Dawson,  Nickerson  Lodge,  No. 
4,  Mass.; 

"Edward  Egbert  English,  Caldwell  Lodge,  No.  5, 
Ohio; 

"Francis  Felix  Foster,  Simons  Lodge,  No.  6,  New 
York; 

"George  Gideon  Griffith,  Vaux  Lodge,  No.  7, 
Pennsylvania; 

"Henry  Harrold  Hudson,  Frizzell  Lodge,  No.  8, 
Tenn.; 


178  FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE 

"Isaac  Isaiah  Inman,  Prescott  Lodge  No.  9, 
Minn.; 

"James  Jabez  Johnson,  Fellows  Lodge,  No.  10, 
La.; 

"Kenneth  Kenyon   Kennedy,  Parvin  Lodge,  No. 

11,  Iowa; 

"Lemuel   Lionel   Lincoln*,   Dawkins   Lodge,    No. 

12,  Florida." 

The  Chariman  called  attention  to  a  requisite, 
mentioned  in  the  petition,  that  the  dimit  of  each  of 
the  petitioners  should  accompany  that  document 
when  sent  to  the  Grand  Master;  whereupon,  on 
motion  of  Bro.  Benjamin  B.  Brown,  it  was — 

Ordered,  That  each  brother  who  has  signed  the 
petition,  shall  place  hisf  dimit  from  the  Lodge  of 
which  he  was  last  a  member  in  the  hands  of  the 
Chairman,  as  soon  as  practicable. 

The  Chairman  then  stated  that  the  recommenda- 
tion of  the  nearest  or  most  convenient  chartered 
Lodge$  must  be  obtained,  to  be  transmitted  to  the 
Grand  Master  with  the  petition;  and  that,  before 
that  recommendation  could  be  procured,  it  would 
be  necessary  to  show  that  a  "safe  and  suitable 
Lodge-room"  had  been  provided;  whereupon,  on 
motion  of  Bro.  Edward  E.  English,  it  was — 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed 
to  procure  a  proper  room  in  which  to  hold  the  meet- 
ings of  our  proposed  Lodge. 


*  Each,  petitioner  must  sign  all  his  names,  in  full,  how- 
ever many   they  may  be. 

t  Each  dimit  must  bear  the  customary  signature  of  the 
owner  upon  the  margin. 

t  If  from  a  town  or  city  where  more  than  one  Lodge 
exists,  the  recommendation  must  be  from  a  majority  of 
such  Lodges. — Const.,  Part  III,  Art.  I,  Sec.  2. 


FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE  179 

The  Chairman  named  as  such  committee — 

fBro.  Edward  E.  English, 
To  procure  a  Lodge-roomJ     "    George  G.  Griffith, 

"    Isaac  I.  Inman. 

The  Chairman  suggested  that  it  was  necessary  for 
the  proposed  Master  and  Wardens  to  procure  proper 
certificates  of  qualification  from  the  Master  of  some 
chartered  Lodge,  and  also  from  the  Inspector  of  the 
Masonic  District  within  which  this  Lodge  will  be 
included;  and  that  their  examination  for  that  pur- 
pose should  be  had  without  delay. 

It  having  also  been  suggested  that  funds  would 
be  required  for  the  proper  establishment  of  the 
Lodge,  on  motion  of  Bro.  Daniel  D.  Dawson,  it  was — 

Ordered,  That  the  proposed  Master  and  Wardens 
(or  any  other  brethren)  be  appointed  a  committee 
to  receive  subscriptions  from  the  signers  of  the  peti- 
tion for  such  amounts  as  may  be  necessary  to  pay 
the  fee  for  a  Dispensation,  to  procure  the  requisite 
books,  jewels,  clothing,  furniture,  etc.,  for  the  Lodge, 
and  to  defray  other  immediately  necessary  expenses. 

The  meeting  then  adjourned  until  again  called  to- 
gether by  the  Chairman. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews, 
Edward  E.  English,  Chairman. 

Secretary. 


Second  Preliminary  Meeting. 

Masonville,  Mason  Co.,  Cal. 
Tuesday,  January  4,  A.  L.  5887. 

In  obedience  to  the  call  of  the  Chairman  of  the 
meeting   mentioned   in   the   foregoing   minutes,   the 


180  FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE 

brethren  then  present,  with  the  exception  of  Bro. 
James  J.  Johnson,  who  was  kept  away  by  illness, 
again  assembled  at  (here  name  the  house),  on  the 
day  above  written,  at  7:30  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  minutes  of  the  preceding  meeting  were  read 
and  approved. 

The  Chairman  stated  that  the  dimits  of  all  the 
brethren  who  had  signed  the  petition  had  been 
placed  in  his  hands;  and  that  each  dimit  bore  the 
proper  signature  of  its  owner. 

The  committee  appointed  to  procure  a  room  for 
the  meetings  of  the  proposed  Lodge,  reported  that 
they  had  obtained  one  in  (here  name  the  building), 
which  would  satisfy  the  requirements  of  the  Consti- 
tution of  the  Grand  Lodge;  and  that  the  rent  there- 
of had  been  agreed  upon  at  twenty  dollars  per 
month;  which  report  was  concurred  in,  and  the 
action  of  the  committee  was  approved. 

A  "safe  and  suitable "  Lodge-room  having  been 
secured,  on  motion  of  Bro.  Daniel  D.  Dawson,  it 
was — 

Ordered,  That  the  Chairman  be  requested  to  pre- 
sent   the    petition,    and    accompanying    dimits,    to 

A Lodge,  No.  — ,  at  B ,  in  the  County  of 

C ,  with  the  fraternal  desire  of  the  petitioners 

that  it  recommend  to  the  Grand  Master,  in  proper 
form,  the  issue  of  a  dispensation  for  the  establish- 
ment of  the  proposed  new  Lodge. 

The  committee  appointed  to  procure  subscriptions 
for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  necessary  expenses 
attending  the  organization  of  the  Lodge,  reported 
that  the  following  sums  had  been  subscribed  and 
paid,  viz.:  by — 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE 


181 


$— 
$— 


Bro.   Alfred  A.   Andrews,  $ — 

Benjamin  B.  Brown,  $ — 

Charles    C.    Carroll,  $ — 

Daniel  D.  Dawson,  $ — 
Edward  E.  English, 
Francis  F.  Foster, 

George   G.   Griffith,  $— 

Henry  H.  Hudson,  $ — 

Isaac  I.  Inman,  $ — 

James  J.  Johnson,  $ — 
Kenneth  K.  Kennedy,  $ — 

Lemuel  L.  Lincoln,  $ — 

Amounting  in  all  to  the  sum  of dollars,  which 

was  held  ready  for  payment  to  such  brother  as 
might  be  designated  to  receive  it;  whereupon,  on 
motion  of  Bro.  Henry  H.  Hudson,  it  was — 

Ordered,  That  the  Chairman  be  requested  to  act 
temporarily  as  Treasurer,  and  that  the  funds  thus 
received  be  placed  in  his  hands. 

There  being  no  further  business  at  this  time,  the 
meeting  adjourned  until  again  convened  by  the 
Chairman. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews, 
Edward  E.  English,  Chairman. 

Secretary. 


Third  Preliminary  Meeting. 

Masonville,  Mason  Co.,  Cal., 
Monday,  January  10,  A.  L.  5887. 
In  accordance  with  a  call  of  the   Chairman,  the 
brethren  present  at  the  first  meeting,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  Bros.  Daniel  D.  Dawson  and  Isaac  I.  In- 
man, who  had  been  called  away  on  business,  again 


182  FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE 

assembled  at  (here  name  the  house),  in  the  place  and 
on  the  day  above  written,  at  7  o'clock  P.  M. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  meeting  were  read,  and, 
after  some  corrections,  were  approved. 

The  Chairman  reported  that,  in  accordance  with 
the  request  ordered  at  the  last  Assembly,  he  had 

visited  A Lodge,  No.  — ,  at  its  late   stated 

meeting,  and  had  been  received  by  that  body  with 
fraternal  kindness;  that  he  had  laid  before  it  the 
petition  for  the  establishment  of  the  proposed  new 
Lodge,  and  the  accompanying  dimits,  with  the  re- 
quest that  it  recommend  to  the  Grand  Master  the 
issue  of  a  Dispensation  for  that  purpose;  and  that 
such  recommendation  was  readily  given  and  is  now 
presented. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the — 

Recommendation. 

"Hall  of  A Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  &  A.  M., 

"B ,  Jan.  — ,  A.  L.  5887. 

1 '  To  the  Most  Worshipful  E C A , 

"Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  California: — 
"At  a  stated  meeting  of  this  Lodge,  held  at  the 
date    above    written,    the    following    preamble    and 
resolution  were  adopted: — 

"Whereas,  A  petition  for  the  issue  of  a  Dispensa- 
tion to  form  and  open  a  new  Lodge  at  Masonville, 

NOTE. — It  may  not  always  be  necessary  to  hold  as  many 
preliminary  meetings  as  are  shown  in  the  preceding  and 
following  pages,  bu  tthe  substance  of  the  various  transac- 
tions, and  the  several  documents  therein  set  forth,  should 
appear  in  the  record — the  intention  being  simply  that  a  full 
and  complete  history  of  the  proceedings,  antecedent  to  the 
reception  of  the  Dispensation,  should  form  the  commence- 
ment  of  the  Record  Book. 

The  proceedings  of  each  meeting,  preliminary  or  subse- 
quent, should  be  commenced  on  a  separate  page  of  the 
Record  Book,  for  more  distinct  and  ready  reference. 


FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE  183 

in  the  County  of  Mason,  has  been  presented  to  this 
Lodge  for  its  recommendation;  And,  Whereas,  It  is 
known  to  this  Lodge  that  the  signers  to  said  peti- 
tion, twelve*  in  number,  are  all  Master  Masons  in 
good  standing,  and  that  a  safe  and  suitable  Lodge- 
room  has  been  provided  by  them  for  their  meetings; 
it  is — 

"  *  Resolved,  That  the  establishment  of  said  new 
Lodge  is  of  manifest  propriety  and  will  conduce  to 
the  good  of  the  Order;  and  that  this  Lodge  recom- 
mends to  the  Grand  Master  the  granting  of  the  Dis- 
pensation prayed  for  in  said  petition. ' 
"A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"In   testimony   whereof   I   have   here- 
[Seal]     unto  set  my  hand  and  affixed  the  seal  of 
of   our  Lodge  as  aforesaid,  at   the   date 
above  written. 

"A B ,  Secretary/ ' 

The  Chairman  also  reported  that  the  petition  had 

been  presented  to  the  W.\  J B ,  Master  of 

B Lodge,  No.  — ,  at  C ,  and  that,  after  due 

examination  of  our  proposed  Master  and  Wardens, 
that  officer  had  issued  a  certificate  of  their  quali- 
fications, in  accordance  with  the  form  prescribed  by 
the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  which  he  now 
presented. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the — 

Certificate  of  Qualification. 

"To  the  Most  Worshipful  E C A , 

"Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  California: — 
"The  petition  of  twelve  brethren,  residing  at  the 
town  of  Masonville,  in  the  County  of  Mason,  pray- 


*  A  petition   from   less   than   twelve   brethren   cannot   be 
entertained. 


184  FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE 

ing  the  Grand  Master  for  a  Dispensation  to  open 
and  hold  a  new  Lodge  at  said  town,  to  be  called 
Example  Lodge,  having  been  presented  to  me,  and 
Bros.  Albert  Alfred  Andrews,  Benjamin  Bruce 
Brown,  and  Charles  Clarence  Carroll,  being  recom- 
mended therein  for  nomination,  respectively,  as 
Master,  Senior  Warden,  and  Junior  Warden  of  said 

proposed  new  Lodge;  now  I,  J B ,  Master  of 

B Lodge  No.  — ,  do  hereby  certify  that,  to  my 

positive  knowledge,  each  of  said  brethren  is  fully 
competent  properly  to  confer  the  three  degrees  of 
Masonry  and  to  deliver  entire  the  several  lectures 
thereunto  appertaining. 

"Given    at    C ,    in    the    County   of 

[Seal]     D ,  this  day  of  January,  A.  L. 

5887. 

" J B ,  Master/' 

The  Chairman  further  reported  that,  as  is  now  re- 
quired a  like  certificate  of  qualification  had,  after 

due  examination,  been  given  at  E ,  in  the  county 

of  G ,  on  the  —  day  of  January,  A.  L.  5887,  by 

the  W.\  Bro.  H L ,  Inspector  of  the  (give 

number)  Masonic  District  of  this  Jurisdiction. 

All  the  necessary  papers  having  now  been  pro- 
cured, on  motion  of  Bro.  Charles  C.  Carroll,  it  was — 

Ordered,  That  the  Chairman  be  requested  to  trans- 
mit the  petition,  dimits,  recommendation,  and  cer- 
tificates to  the  Grand  Secretary,  with  the  necessary 
fee  for  a  Dispensation,  and  with  such  further  sum 
as  may  be  required  for  books,  blanks,  and  other 
articles  of  immediate  necessity;  with  the  request 
that  he  lay  said  papers  before  the  Grand  Master  for 
his  consideration. 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE  185 

And  thereupon  the  meeting  adjourned  until  again 
convened  by  the  Chairman. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews, 
Edward  E.  English,  Chairman. 

Secretary. 


First  Meeting  Under  Dispensation. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  U.  D.,  F.  &  A.  M., 

Masonville,  Friday,  Jan.  28,  A.  L.  5887. 

Pursuant  to  notice  given  by  the  Chairman,  the  pe- 
titioners for  a  Dispensation  to  form  and  open  a 
Lodge  at  the  place  above  named,  assembled  in  the 
Lodge-room  at  7  o'clock,  P.  M.,  all  the  signers  of 
the  petition  being  present. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  meeting  of  the  petitioners 
were  read  and  approved. 

The  Chairman  stated  that  the  duty  assigned  him 
at  their  last  assembly  had  been  performed;  and 
that,  the  Grand  Master  having  been  pleased  to  grant 
their  prayer,  they  were  now  called  together  for  the 
purpose  of  opening  the  new  Lodge. 

By  his  direction  the  Secretary  then  read  the  fol- 
lowing— 

Dispensation. 

"The  Grand  Lodge  of  California, 

"To  all  whom  it  may  concern,  Greeting: 
"Whereas,  A  petition  has  been  presented  to  me 
by  sundry  brethren,  to  wit: — Brothers  Alfred  Al- 
bert Andrews,  Benjamin  Bruce  Brown,  Charles 
Clarence  Carroll,  Daniel  David  Dawson,  Edward 
Egbert  English,  Francis  Felix  Foster,  George  Gideon 
Griffith,  Henry  Harold  Hudson,  Isaac  Isaih  Inman, 
James   Jabez  Johnson,   Kenneth  Kenyon  Kennedy, 


186  FORMATION    OF    NEW   LODGE 

and  Lemuel  Lionel  Lincoln,  all  residing  in  or  near 
the  town  of  Masonville,  in  the  County  of  Mason,  in 
the  State  of  California,  praying  to  be  congregated 
into  a  regular  Lodge  known  and  designated  as 
Example  Lodge,  and  promising  to  render  obedience 
to  the  ancient  usages  and  landmarks  of  the  Fra- 
ternity, and  the  Constitution  and  Eegulations  of  our 
Grand  Lodge;  And,  Whereas,  the  said  petitioners 
have  been  duly  recommended  to  me  as  Master  Ma- 
sons in  good  standing,  in  the  manner  prescribed  by 
the  Eegulations  of  our  Grand  Lodge,  by  the  Master, 

Wardens,  and  brethren  of  A Lodge,  No.  — , 

under  our  jurisdiction: 

"  Now  Know  Ye,   That   I,   E C A , 

Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  the  State  of  California, 
reposing  full  confidence  in  the  recommendation 
aforesaid,  and  in  the  Masonic  integrity  and  ability 
of  the  petitioners,  do,  by  virtue  of  the  power  in  me 
vested,  hereby  grant  this  Dispensation,  empower- 
ing and  authorizing  our  trusty  and  well-beloved 
brethren  aforesaid,  to  form  and  open  a  Lodge  after 
the  manner  of  Ancient  Free  and  Accepted  Masons, 
and  therein  to  admit  to  membership  and  make  Free- 
masons, according  to  the  ancient  custom,  and  not 
otherwise. 

"This  Dispensation  is  to  continue  in  full  force 
until  the  first  day  of  the  month  in  which  the  next 
Annual  Communication  of  our  Grand  Lodge  shall 
be  holdeh,  unless  sooner  revoked  by  me;  and  I  do 
hereby  appoint  Brother  Alfred  Albert  Andrews  to 
be  the  first  Master,  Brother  Benjamin  Bruce  Brown 
to  be  the  first  Senior  Warden,  and  Brother  Charles 
Clarence  Carroll  to  be  the  first  Junior  Warden  of  the 
said  new  Lodge;  requiring  them  to  return  this  Dis- 
pensation, with  their  Book  of  Eecords,  an  attested 


FORMATION  OF   NEW   LODGE  187 

copy  of  their  By-Laws,  and  a  full  report  of  the 
doings  of  their  said  Lodge,  to  our  Grand  Lodge 
aforesaid,  at  the  expiration  of  the  time  herein 
specified,  for  examination  and  for  such  further 
action  in  the  premises  as  shall  then  be  deemed  wise 
and  proper. 

' l  Given  under  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  our  Grand 

Lodge  aforesaid,  at  S ,  this  twenty-fifth  day  of 

January,  A.  L.  5887,  A.  D.  1887. 

[Seal]  :  "E C A , 

"  Grand  Master. 

''Attest:  A G A , 

"Grand  Secretary. " 

In  accordance  with  the  authority  in  them  vested 
by  the  instrument,  of  which  the  foregoing  is  a  copy, 
the  following  brethren  then  took  their  respective 
stations  in  the  Lodge,  viz.: 

Bro.  Alfred  Albert  Andrews    as  Master; 
"    Benjamin  Bruce  Brown,    "    Senior  Warden; 
"    Charles  Clarence  Carroll,    "    Junior  Warden: 
and,  the  Master  having  made  the  following  appoint- 
ments, viz.: — 
Bro.  Daniel  David  Dawson,        to  be  Treasurer; 

"    Edward  Egbert  English,        li     Secretary; 

"    Francis  Felix  Foster,  "     Senior  Deacon; 

*}    George  Gideon  Griffith,  "     Junior  Deacon; 

11    Henry  Harold  Hudson,  (t     Marshal; 

(i    James  Jabez  Johnson,     £...,.«.  , 

<<    Isaac  Isiah  Inman,  \  Stewards; 

"    Kenneth  Keny on  Kennedy,    il     Tyler: 

those  officers  took  their  several  stations  and  places, 
and  Example  Lodge  was  opened  in  due  and  ancient 
form,  in  the  third  degree  of  Masonry. 


188  FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE 

The  Master  instructed  the  Secretary  to  enter  first 
upon  his  Eecord-Book  the  minutes  of  the  proceedings 
at  the  several  preliminary  meetings  held  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  arrangements  for  the  establishment 
of  the  Lodge,  with  the  various  official  documents 
therewith  connected. 

He  then  stated  that  the  next  requisite  measure 
would  be  the  adoption  of  By-Laws  for  the  Lodge, 
and  that,  as  the  Grand  Lodge  had  prescribed  a  uni- 
form code  for  the  Jurisdiction,  it  would  only  be 
necessary  to  fill  in  the  blanks  in  the  printed  form 
thereof,  wherein  was  intended  to  be  designated  the 
name  of  the  Lodge,  the  time  of  its  stated  meetings, 
the  amounts  of  its  fees  and  dues,  and  the  sum  au- 
thorized to  be  drawn  by  the  Charity  Committee; 
whereupon,  on  motion  of  Bro.  Daniel  D.  Dawson,  it 
wras — 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed 
to  fill  the  several  blanks  in  the  form  of  the  uniform 
code  of  By-Laws,  for  the  use  of  this  Lodge,  with 
instructions  to  report  without  delay. 

The  Master  named  as  such  committee — 

(  Bro.  Daniel  D.  Dawson, 
To  prepare  By-Laws:    \     "    Isaac  I.  Inman. 

(.  "     Edward  E.  English, 

After  a  brief  consultation,  that  committee  re- 
ported the  uniform  code,  with  the  several  blanks 
therein  filled,  as  shown  in  the  following  copy  of 
the— 


FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE  189 


BY-LAWS    OF    EXAMPLE    LODGE,    TJ.    D. 
(Here  insert  the  Uniform  Code.) 

On  motion  of  Bro.  Henry  H.  Hudson,  the  report 
of  the  committee  was  concurred  in,  and  it  was — 

Ordered,  That  the  foregoing  are  hereby  declared 
to  be  the  By-Laws  of  Example  Lodge,  U.  D.,  if  ap- 
proved; and  that  a  copy  thereof  be  transmitted  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  for  submission  to  the  considera- 
tion of  the  Grand  Master. 

The  Master  stated  that  it  was  next  necessary  to 
procure  the  proper  books  and  blanks  for  the  Lodge, 
as  prescribed  by  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  the  jewels,  working- tools,  clothing,  fur- 
niture, etc.,  required  by  the  usages  of  the  Craft; 
whereupon,  on  motion  of  Bro.  Benjamin  B.  Brown, 
it  was  — 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  of  three  (or  any  num- 
ber) be  appointed  to  procure  the  foregoing  for  this 
Lodge,  at  the  earliest  day  practicable;  together  with 
such  other  articles  as,  in  their  opinion,  may  be  re- 
quired for  its  use. 

The  Master  named  as  such  committee — 

[  Bro.  Benjamin  B.  Brown, 
To  procure  books,  J      i(    Daniel  D  DawS0n, 
jewels,  etc.:   (     ,,    Edward  E.  English. 
The  Master  stated  that,  from  the  funds  placed  in 
his  hands  by  order  of  the  brethren  at  the  prelimi- 
nary meeting  held  on  the  4th  ultimo,  he  had  ex- 
pended the  sum  of  $75,  being  the  fee  for  the  Dis- 
pensation, for  which  he  now  handed  the  Secretary 
the    Grand    Secretary's   receipt;    and    that   tho    re- 


190  FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE 

maining  moneys  in  his  possession  would  be  at  once 
paid  over  to  the  Treasurer 

He  further  informed  the  Lodge  that,  as  the  By- 
Laws  just  adopted,  if  approved,  fixed  the  Monday 
of  or  next  preceding  the  full  moon  in  each  month 
for  its  stated  meetings,  the  first  stated  meeting 
would  be  held  on  Monday,  the  7th  proximo,  unless 
otherwise  ordered. 

There  being  no  further  business,  the  Lodge  was 
closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


First  Stated  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  U.  D.,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  February  7,  A.  L.  5887. 
Example  Lodge,  U.  D.,  assembled  at  the  place  and 
on  the  day  above  written,  at  7  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and 
there  were  present  the  following — 

Officers: 
Bro.  Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master; 

Benjamin  B.  Brown,  Senior  Warden; 

Charles  C.  Carroll,  Junior  Warden; 

Daniel  D.  Dawson,  Treasurer; 

Edward  E.  English,  Secretary; 

Francis  F.  Foster,  Senior  Deacon; 

George  G.  Griffith,  Junior  Deacon; 

Henry  H.  Hudson,  Marshal; 

Isaac  I.  Inman,  <  ai  , 

•  James  J.  Johnson,  f  Stewards; 
Kenneth  K.  Kennedy,         Tyler: 
with  the  other  members  and  visitors  as  shown  by  the 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE  191 

Tyler's  Begister;  and  the  Lodge  was  opened  in  the 
third  degree  of  Masonry. 

The  minutes  of  the  proceedings  at  all  the  previous 
meetings  were  read  and  approved,  (or  were  read, 
and,  after  correction,  were  approved),  and  were 
ordered  to  be  recorded  in  the  Eecord-Book. 

The  Master  stated  that  the  By-Laws  adopted  by 
the  Lodge  had  been  approved  by  the  Grand  Master. 

The  committee  appointed  at  the  last  meeting  to 
procure  books,  jewels,  clothing,  furniture,  etc.,  for 
the  Lodge,  presented  a  report  exhibiting  the  manner 
in  which  that  duty  had  been  performed,  accom- 
panied by  the  following  bills,  viz.:  of — 

A G ,  for  books,  and  blanks $ — 

B K ,  for  jewels  and  working  tools $ — 

C L ,  for  collars  (or  ribbons),  aprons,etc...$ — 

D M ,  for  altar,  columns,  gavels,  etc $ — 

E N ,  for  carpets  curtains,  cushions,  etc $ — 

F O ,  for  chairs,  desks,  tables,  etc $ — 

G P ,  for  painting,    whitening,    etc $ — 

Amounting  in  all  to  the  sum  of $ — 

Which  report  was  ordered  to  be  placed  on  file,  and 
the  bills  Were  referred  to  the  Auditing  Committee, 
with  the  direction  that  if  found  correct,  orders  be 
drawn  upon  the  Treasurer  therefor,  by  the  proper 
officers. 

A  petition  for  the  degrees  of  Masonry  was  re- 
ceived from  Mr.  Manfred  Moses  Melton,  recom- 
mended by  Bros.  Isaac  I.  Inman  and  James  J.  John- 
son, which  was  referred  to  a  Secret  Committee  of 
Investigation,  as  required  by  the  Constitution. 

An  application  for  affiliation  was  received  from 
Bro.  Oscar  Obed  Olney,  recommended  by  Bros.  Fran- 


M*2  FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE 

cis  F.  Foster  and  Lemuel  L.  Lincoln,  and  accom- 
panied by  a  certificate  of  good  standing  from  Si- 
mons Lodge,  No.  6,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  of 
which  he  was  last  a  member,  which  was  referred  to 
a  similar  committee. 

A  petition  for  the  second  and  third  degrees,  re- 
commended by  Bros.  Benjamin  B.  Brown  and  Charles 
C.    Carroll,   was   received   from   Bro.    Peter    Parley 

Piper,  an  Entered  Apprentice  of  P Lodge,  No. 

— ,  at  T ,  Cal.,  accompanied  by  a  permission  from 

that  Lodge;  which  was  referred  to  a  similar  com- 
mittee. 

A  petition  for  afiiliation  was  received  from  Bro. 

,  recommended  by  Bros.  and  , 

and  accompanied  by  his  dimit  from  Lodge, 

at  ,   Cal,   of  which   he  was  last   a  member; 

which  was  referred  to  a  similar  committee. 

A  petition  for  the  degrees  of  Masonry  was  re- 
ceived   from    Mr.    ,    recommended    by    Bros. 

and ,  and  accompanied  by  a  permission 

from   Lodge,   within   whose   jurisdiction   he 

resides;  which  was  referred  to  a  similar  committee. 

The  Secretary  reported  the  following  receipts, 
viz.: — 

From  Manfred  M.  Melton,  fee  for  the  degrees $ — 

ft     Nicholas  N.  Norris,  fee  for  the  degrees $ — 

1 '     Oscar  O.  Olney,  fee  for  afiiliation $ — 

tl     Peter  P.  Piper,  fee  for  second  and  third 

degrees    $ — 

'*     Quincy  Q.  Quarles,  fee  for  the  degrees $ — 

Amounting  in  all  to  the  sum  of $ — 

Bro.  Daniel  D.  Dawson  suggested  that  some  action 
should  be  taken  in  regard  to  the  compensation  of 


FORMATION    OF    NEW   LODGE  193 

the  Secretary  and  Tyler;  and,  upon  his  motion,  it 
was — 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  shall  receive  the  sum 
of  three  dollars  for  each  meeting  of  the  Lodge  which 
he  shall  attend,  and  that  the  Tyler  shall  receive  the 
sum  of  two  dollars  for  like  attendance  at  each  meet- 
ing and  the  preparation  therefor. 

Bro.  Edward  E.  English  offered  the  following  reso- 
lution:— 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  be  instructed  to  pro- 
cure from  the  Grand  Secretary  a  full  set  of  the 
bound  Proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  twenty 
copies  of  its  Constitution  and  General  Regulations, 
and  four  copies  of  Anderson  >s  Manual  for  the  use 
of  the  Lodge. 

Which  resolution  was  adopted. 

Bro.  James  J.  Johnson  offered  the  following  reso- 
lution: 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  be  directed  to  pro- 
cure two  copies  of  Cross's  Chart,  for  the  use  of  the 
Lodge. 

Bro.  Edward  E.  English  moved  to  amend  the  reso- 
lution by  striking  out  the  words  "two  copies  of 
Cross's  Chart,"  and  inserting  in  lieu  thereof  the 
words  "one  copy  each  of  Mackey's  l Manual  of  the 
Lodge,  l Lexicon  of  Freemasonry,'  and  ' Masonic 
Jurisprudence. '  ' ' 

Which  amendment  prevailed,  and  the  resolution,  as 
thus  amended,  was  adopted. 

Bro.  Lemuel  L.  Lincoln  offered  the  following  reso- 
lution:— 

Resolved,  That  Jefferson 's  Manual  be  adopted  as 
the  rule  of  order  in  debate  and  for  legislative  action 
in  this  Lodge. 


194 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE 


Which  resolution  the  Master  declined  to  entertain, 
stating  that  the  usages  of  Masonry  in  the  jurisdic- 
tion required  no  such  manual. 

Bro.  Lincoln  appealed  from  the  ruling  of  the  Mas- 
ter, but  was  informed  by  him  that  no  such  appeal 
could  be  allowed  in  a  Masonic  Lodge. 

The  Secretary  presented  the  following  bills,  viz,: 
of— 

B ,  for  rent  of  hall,  one  month,  to  1st  inst....$2() 

The  Secretary,  for  one  meeting  in  January 3 

The  Tyler,  for  one  meeting  in  January 2 

All  of  which  were  referred  to  the  Auditing  Com- 
mittee and  ordered  to  be  paid,  if  found  correct. 

The  Master  named  the  following  brethren  as  the — ■ 

/  Bro.  Benjamin  B.  Brown 
Auditing  Committee:  J      "     Charles  C.   Carroll, 
(     ' '     Daniel  D.  Dawson. 

There  being  no  further  business,  the  Lodge  was 
closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


Stated  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  U.  D.,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  March  7,  A.  L.  5887. 

Example  Lodge  assembled  at  the  place  and  on  the 
day  above  written,  at  7  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  there 
were  present  the  following — 


FORMATION    OF    NEW   LODGE  195 


Officers: 


Bro.  Benjamin  B.  Brown,  as  Master;  . 

li    Charles  C.  Carroll,  Junior  Warden; 

il    Daniel  D.  Dawson,  Treasurer; 

"    Edward  E.  English,  Secretary; 

"    Francis  F.  Foster,  Senior  Deacon; 

l<     George  G.  Griffith,  Junior  Deacon; 

"    Isaac  I.  Innian,  /   «A  .. 

,,     T  T    t  !  r  Stewards; 

••    James  J.  Johnson,         ) 

(i    Kenneth  K.  Kennedy,      Tyler: 

with  visitors  as  shown  by  the  Tyler's  Register. 

The  Acting  Master  announced  that  illness  pre 
vented  the  attendance  of  Bro.  Andrews,  the  Master, 
and  filled  the  vacant  station  and  place  by  the  fol- 
lowing appointments,  pro  tempore: — 

Bro.  Lemuel  L.  Lincoln,  as  Senior  Warden; 
11    Oscar  O.  Olney,         "  Marshal; 
and  the  Lodge  was  opened  in  the  third  degree. 

The  minutes  of  the  proceedings  at  the  last  stated 
meeting  were  read  and  approved,  and  were  ordered 
to  be  recorded. 

The  committee  upon  the  petition  of  Mr.  Manfred 
Moses  Melton  for  the  degrees,  reported  favorably 
thereon;  and,  a  ballot  being  had  he  was  declared 
elected. 

A  majority  of  the  committee  upon  the  petition 
of  Mr.  Nicholas  Nathan  Norris  for  the  degrees,  re- 
ported favorably,  and  a  minority  unfavorably  there- 
on, whereupon  he  was  declared  rejected,  and  his  fee 
was  ordered  to  be  returned  to  him. 

A  majority  of  the  committee  upon  the  application 
of  Bro.  Oscar  Obed  Olney  for  membership,  reported 
favorably;  and,  there  being  no  minority  report,  a 
ballot    was   had    and    he    was   declared    elected. 


19<>  FORMATION   OF    NEW  LODGE 

The  committee  upon  the  petition  of  Mr.  Quincy 
Quintus  Quarles,  for  the  degrees,  presented  a  special 
report  stating  that  there  was  no  objection  to  his 
character,  but  that  he  had  been  found  to  be  legally 
disqualified  in  consequence  of  physical  disability,  (or 
insufficient  residence.)  * 

Whereupon  the  Master  directed  the  withdrawal  of 

the  petition  without  further  action;  and  ordered  that 

such  direction  be  entered  upon  the  record,  with  a 

statement  of  the  cause  thereof. 

[Reports  of  any  other  kind  will  here  be  presented;  after 
which  the  petitions,  etc.,  in  the  order  of  business  as  shown 
in   the   By-Laws.] 

Bro.  Francis  F.  Foster  stated  that  Bro.  Samuel 
S.  Smith,  a  member  of  Drummond  Lodge,  No.  1, 
Maine,  is  in  Masonville,  sick  and  destitute;  and 
moved  that  the  sum  of  $20  be  donated  for  his  relief; 
which  motion  was  referred  to  the  Charity  Com- 
mittee.f 

The  Secretary  presented  a  communication  from 
the  Grand  Secretary,  stating  the  rejections,  sus- 
pensions, expulsions,  and  restorations,  which  have 
been  reported  in  the  jurisdiction  during  the  two 
months  next  preceding  the  first  inst. ;  which  was  read 
and  ordered  to  be  transcribed,  in  the  proper  order, 
on  the  Black-Book. 

The  Secretary  reported  the  following  receipts  since 

the  last  stated  meeting,  viz.:  from — 

Sundry  brethren  for  dues,  (giving  names,  etc.)....$ — 

Bro.  Alfred  A.  Andrews,  donation  to  the  Lodge... .$ — 

Amounting  to  the  sum  of $ 

*  The  report  should  state  particularly  the  cause  of  dis- 
qualification. 

f  This  committee  has  full  power  to  act  at  once,  and  it  is 
expected  that  they  will  immediately  see  the  brother  and 
afford  him  such  relief  as  may  be  deemed  ample  and  neces- 
sary. 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE  197 

Bro.  Oscar  Ober  Olney  signed  the  By-Laws;  and, 
there  being  no  further  business,  the  Lodge  was 
closed: 

Edward  E.  English, 
A  pproved,  Secretary. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


Special  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  U.  D.,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  March  14,  A.  L.  5887. 

This  Lodge  was  specially  convened  at  the  place 
and  on  the  day  above  written,  at  7:30  o'clock,  P.  M., 
and  there  were  present  the  following — ■ 

Officers. 

[Here  give  the  officers  present,   as  before.  1 

writh  members  and  visitors,  as  shown  by  the  Tyler  's 
Register. 

[If  there  are  any  vacant  offices,  fill  them  as  before.  1 

and  the   Lodge   was   opened  in   the  first   degree   of 
Masonry. 

Mr.  Manfred  M.  Melton,  who,  at  the  last  stated 
meeting  was  elected  to  receive  the  degrees,  was  in- 
troduced and  initiated  an  Entered  Apprentice  Ma- 
son. 

There  being  no  further  work,  the  Lodge  was 
closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary. 

Alfred   A.   Andrews,  Master. 


198  FORMATION    OF    NEW   LODGE 

Special  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  U.  D.,  F.  &  A.  M. 

Masonville,  Monday,  March  21,  A.  L.  5887. 

This  Lodge  was  specially  convened,  etc.,  and  there 
were  present  the  following — 

Officers: 

[Here  give  them,   as  before.] 

with  members  and  visitors  as  shown  by  the  Tyler  'a 
Register. 

[If  any  vacancies,   fill  as  before.] 

and  the  Lodge  was  opened  in  the  first   degree  of 
Masonry. 

Bro.  Manfred  M.  Melton,  an  Entered  Apprentice 
of  this  Lodge,  appeared  and  was  examined  as  to  his 
proficiency  in  that  degree. 

The  Lodge  of  Entered  Apprentices  was  then  closed 
and  a  Lodge  of  Fellow  Craft  was  opened;  when  Bro. 
Melton,  having  been  found  proficient  in  the  preced- 
ing degree,  was  introduced  and  passed  to  the  degree 
of  Fellow  Craft. 

No  further  work  appearing,  the  Lodge  was  closed. 
Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


Special  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  U.  D.,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  March  28,  A.  L.  5887. 

This  Lodge  was  specially  convened,  etc.,  and  there 
were  present  the  following — 

Officers: 

[Here  give  them.] 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE  %     199 

with  visitors  whose  names  appear  upon  the  Tyler 's 
Register. 

[If  any  vacancies,  fill  as  before.] 
and   the   Lodge   was   opened   in   the   second   degree 
of  Masonry. 

Bro.  Manfred  M.  Melton,  a  Fellow  Craft  of  this 
Lodge,  appeared  and  was  examined  as  to  his  pro- 
ficiency in  that  degree. 

The  Lodge  of  Fellow  Crafts  was  then  closed,  and 
a  Lodge  of  Master  Masons  was  opened. 

Bro.  Melton,  having  been  found  proficient  in  the 
preceding  degree,  was  introduced  and  raised  to  the 
sublime  degree  of  Master  Mason. 

Bro.  Manfred  Moses  Melton  signed*  the  By-Laws; 
and,  there  being  no  further  work,  the  Lodge  was 
closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


Stated  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  U.  D.,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  Sept.  26,  A.  L.  5887. 
Example  Lodge,  U.  D.  assembled  at  the  place  and 
on  the  day  above  named  at  half -past  7  o'clock,  P. 
M.,  and  there  were  present  the  following — 
Officers: 

[Here  recite  those  present.] 
with  other  members  and  visitors  as  shown  by  the 
Tyler's  Register. 

[Vacancies,  if  any,  to  be  filled  as  before.] 

*  In  signing  the  By-Laws,  each  brother  who  has  re- 
ceived the  degree  of  Master  Mason  in,  or  been  elected  a 
member  of  the  Lodge,  must  write  all  his  names  in  full; 
and  the  Secretary  should  prefix  thereto  the  date  of  either 
of  these  events,  in  the  order  of  their  occurrence. 


200 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE 


and    the    Lodge    was    opened   in    the    third    degree 
of  Masonry. 

The  minutes  of  the  proceedings  at  the  last  stated 
meeting,  and  at  the  special  meetings  subsequent, 
were  read  and  approved. 

[Here  record  the  reception  of  and  action  upon  reports, 
bills,  etc.,  and  all  other  regular  business;  which,  at  this 
time,  should  be  entirely  completed,  if  possible.]  * 

The  Master  informed  the  Lodge  that  this  being 
its  last  stated  meeting  prior  to  the  first  day  of 
October  next,  when  its  Dispensation  will  expire,  it 
would  be  necessary,  if  the  members  desired  to  have 
the  Lodge  perpetuated,  to  petition  that  body  to 
grant  a  charter  for  that  purpose;  and  further  that, 
in  such  case,  it  would  be  requisite  to  select  three 
brethren,  to  be  named  in  that  instrument,  if  granted, 
as  Master  and  Wardens  of  the  Lodge. 

The  brethren  having  expressed  the  desire  that 
the  Lodge  should  be  thus  perpetuated,  the  Master 
directed  that  an  informal  ballot  be  had  for  the 
choice  of  officers  thus  to  be  recommended  to  the 
Grand  Lodge;  and  he  appointed  Bros.  Francis  F. 
Foster  and  George  G..  Griffith  to  act  as  tellers. 

Upon  counting  the  votes,  it  was  found  that  the 
following  named  brethren  had  been  chosen,  viz.: — 

Bro.  Alfred  A.  Andrews,     to  be  Master; 
"    Benjamin  B.  BrowTn,        {{     Senior  Warden; 
"    Charles  C.  Carroll,  "     Junior  Warden. 

Bro.  Henry  H.  Hudson  offered  the  following  reso- 
lution:— 


*  It  is  very  desirable,  also,  that  all  the  work  should  be 
finished  before  the  first  day  of  October,  when  the  returns 
are  due  from  Lodges  U.  D. ;  i.  e. — that  each  candidate 
before  the  Lodge  should  have  received  the  degree  of  Master 
Mason;  and,  until  that  date,  it  may  hold  special  meetings 
for  that  purpose. 


FORMATION    OF    NEW   LODGE  201 

Resolved,.  That  the  brethren  just  nominated  to  be 
the  future  officers  of  the  Lodge  be  requested  to  act 
as  its  delegates  to  the  Grand  Lodge  at  the  next 
Annual  Communication  thereof;  and  that  they  be 
instructed  to  present  to  that  body  a  petition  for  a 
charter,  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  its  Constitu- 
tion.* 

Which  resolution  was  adopted,  and  a  petition  was 
forthwith  prepared  and  approved,  of  which  the  fol- 
lowing is  a  copy: — 

Petition  for  Charter. 

"To  the  M.\  W.\  Grand  Lodge  of  California:— 

' '  The  undersigned  respectfully  represent  that  on 
the  twenty-fifth  day  of  January,  A.  L.  5887,  a  Dis- 
pensation was  issued  by  the  Grand  Master  for  the 
formation  of  a  new  Lodge  at  Masonville,  in  the 
County  of  Mason,  by  the  name  of  Example  Lodge; 
that  on  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  January  of  that 
year,  said  Lodge  was  opened  and  organized,  and  has 
since  continued  successfully  to  work  during  the 
period  named  in  said  Dispensation,  as  will  appear 
from  its  records,  by-laws,  and  returns,  herewith  pre- 
sented; and  that  it  is  the  anxious  desire  of  the 
members  of  said  Lodge  that  its  existence  be  per- 
petuated. 

"They  therefore  pray  that  a  Charter  be  granted 
to  said  Lodge,  by  the  name  of  Example  Lodge,  with 
such  number  as  the  usage  of  the  Grand  Lodge  may 
assign  it;  and  they  recommend  that  Bro.  Alfred 
Albert  Andrews  be  named  therein  as  Master,  Bro. 
Benjamin  Bruce  Brown  as  Senior  Warden,  and  Bro. 
Charles  Clarence  Carroll  as  Junior  Warden;  promis- 


*  It    is   not   necessary    that    more    than    one    delegate    be 
present    in   the    Grand   Lodge. 


202  FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE 

ing,  as  heretofore,  strict  obedience  to  the  commands 
of  the  Grand  Master,  and  undeviating  conformity 
to  the  Constitution  and  Eegulations  of  the  Grand 
Lodge. 

11  Given  by  instruction  from  and  on  behalf  of 
said  Lodge,  at  Masonville,  this  twenty-sixth  day  of 
September,   A.   L.   5887. 

"Alfred  A.  Andrews, 
"Benjamin  B.  Brown, 
"Charles  C.  Carroll, 

Delegates. ' ' 

The  Master  directed  the  Secretary  to  transmit  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  the  Eecord-Book,  Eeturns,* 
(Annual  Eeport,),  and  Book  of  By-Laws  of  the 
Lodge,  in  such  time  that  they  may  reach  that  officer 
on  or  before  the  first  day  of  October  next;  and,  on 
motion  of  Bro.  Edward  E.  English,  it  was — 

Ordered,  That  an  order  be  drawn  upon  the  Treas- 
urer for  the  sum  of  $ ,  dues  to  the  Grand  Lodge, 

to  be  transmitted  by  the  Secretary  with  the  returns, 
etc.;  and  that  a  further  order  for  the  sum  of  $75 
be  drawn  upon  that  officer,  to  be  placed  in  the  hands 
of  the  delegates  to  pay  the  fee  for  a  charter. 

The  Secretary  presented  the  following  report  of 
the  transactions  of  the  Lodge  since  its  organiza- 
tion:— 

[Here  record  report,  which  should  be  a  full  summary 
of  all  its  transactions.  1 

The  Treasurer  presented  the  following  report  re- 
lative to  the  financial  affairsf  of  the  Lodge  since  its 
organization. 

[Here  record  report,  which  should  be  a  full  one  as  to 
all  money  matters.] 

*  Blanks  for  these  returns  will,  have  been  received  from 
the  Grand  Secretary  in  due  season. 

t  A  charter  will  not  be  granted  by  the  Grand  Lodge 
unless  it  be  shown  that  the  Lodge  is  out  of  debt. 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE  203 

The  committee  appointed  at  the  last  stated  meet- 
ing to  examine  the  books,  accounts  and  vouchers  of 
the  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  presented  the  follow- 
ing report: — 

[ Here  record  report.  ] 

Bro.  Isaac  I.  Inman  offered  the  following  resolu- 
tions:— 

Resolved,  That  in  case  a  charter  be  granted  tp 
this  Lodge,  and  Grand  Master  is  requested  to  consti- 
tute the  Lodge  and  install  its  officers;  or,  if  it  be  in- 
convenient for  him  to  do  so,  to  authorize  the  E.'. 

W.\  (or  W.\)  H N R ,  (here  give 

the  name  and  title  of  some  Deputy  or  Past  Deputy 
Grand  Master,  Grand  or  Past  Grand  Warden,  or 
Master  or  Past  Master,)  to  perform  that  ceremony. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed 
to  wait  upon  (or  communicate  with)  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter, and  respectfully  invite  him  to  constitute  this 
Lodge,  and  install  its  officers;  or,  in  the  event  of  his 
inability  so  to  do,  to  communicate  with  and  respect- 
fully invite  the  R.\  W.\  H N R , 

(the  officer  above  selected  and  authorized,)  to  per- 
form that  ceremony;  and  that  said  committee  be 
empowered  and  instructed  to  make  all  necessary 
preparations  for  that  purpose  on  such  day  as  shall 
be  designated  by  the  Master. 

Which  resolutions  were  adopted,  and  the  Master 
named  as  the  committee — 

_,    .  -■_-,.     A,  (  Bro.  Isaac  I.  Inman, 

To  invite  the  ,,    James  j.  Johnsolli 

Installing  Officer:        \    ,,    Lemuel  L.  Lincoln. 

All  the  business  having  been  disposed  of,  Example 
Lodge,  U.  D.,  was  closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary, 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


!j04  formation  of  new  lodge 

First  Meeting  Under  Charter. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  Oct.   24,  A.  L.  5887. 

The  M.\  W.\  Grand- Lodge  of  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia having  been  pleased  to  grant  a  charter  per- 
petuating the  existence  of  Example  Lodge,  hereto- 
fore acting  under  Dispensation,  pursuant  to  arrange- 
ments made  and  in  accordance  with  due  notice 
given,  the  members  thereof  assembled  at  the  place 
and  on  the  day  above  written,  at  7:30  o'clock,  P.  M., 
for  the  purpose  of  assisting  at  the  constituting  of 
the  Lodge  and  the  installation  of  its  officers.  Their 
names,  with  those  of  sundry  visiting  brethren,  will 
be  found  inscribed  in  the  Tyler's  Eegister. 

The  Grand  Master,  being  unable  to  be  present  in 
person,    had    authorized    the    B.\    W.\     (or    W.'.) 

H JST E ,    (here   give  his  proper 

Masonic  title,)  to  act  as  his  proxy  for  the  occasion; 
and  the  brethren  were  called  to  order  by  that  officer, 
who,  as  Acting  Grand  Master,  appointed  the  fol- 
lowing brethren  to  assist  him  in  the  several  capa- 
cities subjoined  to  their  respective  names,  viz.: 

R.'.  W.'.  M M E ,  to. act  as  Deputy 

Grand  Master; 

R.\   W.\   A R C ,   to   act  as   Senior 

Grand  Warden; 

W.\  J W S ,  to  act  as  Junior  Grand 

Warden; 

W.\  G T G ,  to  act  as  Grand  Secre- 
tary; 

Bro.  S D N ,  to  act  as  Grand  Mar- 
shal;* 


*  And  such  other  acting  Grand  Officers  as  may  be  thought 
proper.  There  may  be  present  some  Grand  or  Past  Grand 
Officers,  and  Masters  or  Past  Masters,  in  which  case  it 
would  be  proper  to  appoint  them,  in  the  order  of  their 
rank,  to  the  principal  offices. 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE  205 

and  the  Grand  Lodge  of  California  was  opened   in 
the   customary   manner. 

The  object  of  the  Special  Communication  having 
been  stated  by  the  Acting  Grand  Master,  by  his 
direction  the  Acting  Grand  Secretary  read  the  char- 
ter granted  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  of  which  the  fol- 
lowing is  a  copy: — 

Charter. 

"To  all  whom  it  may  concern: 

"The  Grand  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons 
"Of  the  State  of  California,   Greeting: 

"Whereas,  It  having  been  duly  represented  unto 
us  that  sundry  brethren  of  the  Most  Ancient  and 
Honorable  Fraternity  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons, 
residing  at  or  near  the  town  of  Masonville,  in  the 
County  of  Mason,  within  our  Jurisdiction,  have  here- 
tofore, to  wit:  on  the  twTenty-fifth  day  of  January, 
A.  L.  5887,  received  from  our  Most  Worshipful 
Grand  Master  a  Dispensation  to  assemble  as  a  Lodge 
of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  for  the  purposes 
therein  expressed;  and,  Whereas,  it  having  been 
further  represented  that  the  said  brethren  are  now 
desirous  that  their  Lodge  shall  be  duly  chartered, 
constituted,  and  numbered  upon  our  registry  as  a 
regular  Lodge;  and  it  appearing,  after  due  examina- 
tion, that  they  are  well  qualified  and  in  all  respects 
worthy  to  assume  and  fulfill  the  duties  consequent 
upon  the  indulgence  of  their  said  desire;  and, 
Whereas,  it  being  believed  that  the  advancement  of 
Freemasonry  will  be  encouraged,  and  the  wise, 
moral,  and  beneficient  purposes  of  our  Ancient  Craft 
be  promoted  by  the  constitution  and  permanent  es- 
tablishment  of  their   said  Lodge: 


206  FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE 

Now,  therefore,  Know  Ye,  That  we,  the  Most 
Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted 
Masons  of  the  State  of  California,  have  authorized, 
constituted  and  appointed,  and,  by  this  our  War- 
rant and  Charter,  do  hereby  authorize,  constitute 
and  appoint  our  trusty  and  well-beloved  brethren, 
Alfred  Albert  Andrews,  Master,  Benjamin  Bruce 
Brown,  Senior  Warden,  and  Charles  Clarence  Carroll, 
Junior  Warden,  together  with  all  such  other  true 
and  lawful  brethren  as  has  already  been  or  may 
hereafter  be  admitted  to  associate  with  them,  to 
assemble  and  work  as  a  regular  Lodge  of  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons,  at  the  town  of  Masonville  afore- 
said, by  the  name  and  designation  of  Example 
Lodge  No.  — : 

"And  We  do  hereby  Grant  and  Commit  unto  the 
Master  and  Wardens  aforesaid  and  their  successors, 
and  to  the  brethren  of  the  said  Lodge,  full  power 
and  authority  to  receive  and  enter  Apprentices,  pass 
Fellow  Crafts,  raise  Master  Masons,  and  admit 
brethren  to  membership;  to  choose  a  Master  and 
Wardens  and  other  officers,  annually;  to  exact  from 
their  initiates  and  members  such  fees  and  dues  as 
may  be  necessary  for  the  maintenance  of  their 
Lodge,  for  the  relief  of  poor  and  distressed  brethren, 
their  widows  and  orphans,  and  for  the  regular  pay- 
ment of  such  annual  contributions  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  as  shall  by  it  be  directed;  and,  generally,  to 
perform  and  do  all  other  acts  and  things  which  shall 
be  in  full  accordance  with  the  ancient  usages  and 
customs  of  the  Craft,  and  in  strict  obedience  to  the 
Constitution,  Eegulations,  and  Edicts  of  this  our 
Grand  Lodge,   aforesaid: 

"And  We  do  hereby  Require  the  said  Lodge  to 
attend  the  Grand  Lodge  at  all  its  Communications, 


FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE  207 

by  its  Master  and  Wardens,  or  by  its  Kepresenta- 
tives,  duly  appointed;  to  keep  a  fair  and  faithful 
record  of  all  of  its  acts  and  proceedings  which  are 
proper  to  be  written;  and  to  lay  the  same  before  the 
Grand  Lodge  whenever  it  may  be  directed: 

"And,  lastly,  We  do  hereby  Enjoin  upon  the  Mas- 
ter, Wardens,  and  Brethren  of  the  Lodge,  aforesaid, 
that  they  ever  observe  a  strict  conformity  to  all  the 
ordinances  of  our  Grand  Lodge,  which  is  the  Su- 
preme Masonic  Power  and  Authority  in  the  State 
of  California;  and  they  constantly  give  due  respect 
and  obedience  to  the  Grand  Master  and  their  other 
superiors  in  office,  in  all  things  appertaining  to  our 
Ancient  Craft. 

"Done  in  Grand  Lodge,  in  accordance  with  its 
order,  at  the  City  of  San  Francisco,  California,  on 
this  thirteenth  day  of  October,  Anno  Domini  1887, 
Anno  Lucis  5887.  .    • 

"In  Testimony  whereof,  We,  Grand  Master 
of  Masons  in  the  State  of  California, 
have  hereunto  set  our  hand  and  have 
[L.  S.]  caused  our  Grand  Secretary  to  make  his 
attestation  thereunto,  and  to  affix  the 
Seal  of  our  Grand  Lodge. 

1  *  Attest,  E C A , 

"A G A ,  Grand  Master. 

"Grand  Secretary." 

The  ceremony  of  constituting  and  dedicating  the 
Lodge,  in  accordance  with  ancient  usage,  was  then 
performed  by  the  Acting  Grand  Master  and  his 
assistants,  after  which  an  election  of  a  Treasurer 
and  Secretary  was  held,  resulting  as  follows: — 

Bro.  Daniel  D.  Dawson  was  chosen  as  Treasurer; 
"    Edward  E.  English   "        "        "    Secretary. 


208  FORMATION   OF   NEW  LODGE 

The  Master  then  presented  a  list  of  the  other  of- 
ficers appointed  by  him,  and  all,  having  severally 
been  presented  to  the  Acting  Grand  Master,  were 
by  him  duly  installed  in  their  respective  stations 
and  places,  as  follows: — 
Bro.  Alfred  Albert  Andrews,  as  Master; 

"    Benjamin  Bruce  Brown,  "   Sen.  Warden; 

"    Charles  Clarence  Carroll,         "   Jun.  Warden; 

"    Daniel  David  Dawson,  "   Treasurer; 

il    Edward  Egbert  English,  lt   Secretary; 

<(    Francis  Felix  Foster,  il   Sen.  Deacon; 

il    George  Gideon  Griffith,  "   Jun.  Deacon; 

li    Henry  Harold  Hudson,  "   Marshal; 

li    Isaac  Isaiah  Inman,  j 

il    James  Jabez  Johnson,  S 

\ '    Kenneth  Kenyon  Kennedy, 

After  some  words  of  admonition  to  the  officers  and 
members  of  the  Lodge  by  the  Acting  Grand  Mas- 
ter, the  Grand  Lodge  was  closed;  the  proper  of- 
ficers resumed  their  respective  stations  and  places, 
and  the  Lodge  was  closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


Stewards; 
Tyler. 


Stated  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  Nov.  28,  A.  L.  5887. 
Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  assembled  at  the  place 
and  on  the  day  above  written,  at  half-past  seven 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  there  were  present  the  follow- 
ing- 
Officers: 
[Here  name  those  present.] 


FORMATION    OF    NEW   LODGE  209 

and  sundry  members  and  visitors  as  shown  by  the 
Tyler  *s  Begister. 

The  Master  filled  the  vacant  stations  (or  places, 
or  both)  by  the  following  appointments  pro  tern. — 

[Here  give  the  names,  as  shown  before.] 

and  the  Lodge  was  opened  in  the  third  degree  of 
Masonry. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  stated  meeting,  and  of  the 
special  meeting  since,  were  read  and  approved. 

[Here  will  appear,  first,  reports  of  committees  of  investi- 
gation, with  the  ballotings  thereon;  second^  reports  of  other 
committees ;  and  third,  receptions  of  petitions  and  applica- 
tions, as  heretofore  or  hereinafter  shown.] 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  widow  of 
our  deceased  brother,  Eobert  Eaphael  Eogers,  a 
member  of  this  Lodge,  asking  assistance;  which  was 
referred  to  the  Charity  Committee,  with  power. 

A  communication  was  received  from  Parvin 
Lodge,  No.  11*,  Iowa,  stating  that  relief  to  the 
amount  of  $ —  had  been  afforded  by  that  Lodge  to 
Bro.  Samuel  Selim  Smith,  a  member  of  this  Lodge; 
which  was  referred  to  the  Auditing  Committee,  and 
the  amount  ordered  to  be  refunded  to  that  Lodge,  if 
found  correct. 

The  Master  informed  the  brethren  that  Bro. 
Thomas  Tobias  Terry,  a  member  of  this  Lodge,  (or, 
a  member  in  good  standing  of  Caldwell  Lodge,  No. 
5,  Ohio,)  died  this  morning;  and  that  the  funeral 
would  take  place  from  the  Hall  at  two  o  'clock, 
P.  M.,  to-morrow. 

The  Master  gave  notice  that  the  third  degree 
would  be  conferred  on  Thursday  evening  next. 

He  also  gave  notice  that  Bro.  Uriah  Ulrich  Unger, 
a  member  of  Simons  Lodge,  No.  6,  New  York,  was 


210  FORMATION    OF    NEW   LODGE 

lying  very  ill,  and  that  it  was  desired  that  some  of 
the  brethren  should  watch  with  him;  whereupon 
Bros.  Inman,  Johnson,  Lincoln,  and  Melton  volun- 
teered so  to  do. 

The  Master  named  the  following  brethren  as  the 
committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  Treas- 
urer and  Secretary,  with  instructions  to  report  at 
the  next  stated  meeting,  it  being  that  of  the  annual 
election,  viz.: — 

On  accounts  of   Treas-     f  B^  panels  F.  Foster 
,  ^  i  George  G.  Griffith, 

nrer  and  Secretary:    \_     „    Henry  H.  Hudson! 

There  appearing  no  further  business,  the  Lodge 
was  closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


Special  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Tuesday  Nov.  29,  A.  L  5887. 
This  Lodge  was  specially  convened  at  the  place 
and  on  the  day  above  named,  at  two  o'clock,  P.  M., 
and  there  were  present  the  following — 

Officers: 

[Here  name  them  as  before.] 

and  sundry  members  and  visitors  as  shown  by  the 
Tyler's  Eegister. 

The  Master  filled  the  vacant  stations  (and  places, 
if  any,)  by  the  following  appointments  pro  tem- 
pore:— 

[Here  give  them  as  before.] 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE  2  I  L 

and   the  Lodge  was  opened  in  the   third  degree  of 
Masonry. 

The  Master  stated  that  the  Lodge  had  been  called 
to  attend  the  funeral  of  our  deceased  brother, 
Thomas  T.  Terry,  who  departed  this  life  on  yester- 
day morning. 

After  the  customary  services  in  the  Lodge-room, 
the  Lodge  was  called  off,  and  the  brethren  proceeded 
with  the  body  to  St.  John's  Cemetery,  where  it  was 
interred  with  the  usual  Masonic  honors. 

(If  there  are  any  friends  of  the  deceased  in  wait- 
ing, who  are  not  Masons,  the  Master  will  call  the 
Lodge  off  immediately  after  announcing  the  pur- 
pose for  which  it  was  convened,  and  they  may  be 
admitted  and  be  present  during  the  ceremonies 
usually  performed  in  the  Lodge-room.) 

Upon  returning  to  the  Hall  the  Lodge  was  called 
on,  and  on  motion  of  Bro.  Lemuel  L.  Lincoln,  it 
was — 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed 
to    prepare    suitable    resolutions    of    respect    to    the 
memory  of  our  deceased  brother,  with  instructions 
to  report  at  the  next  stated  meeting;  and  the  Master 
named   as   such   committee — 
On  decease  of  Bro.  Terry: 
Bro.  Henry  H.  Hudson, 
"    Manfred  M.  Melton, 
"    Oscar  O.  Olney. 

The  Lodge  was  then  closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


^12  FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE 

Special  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  Dec.  5,  A.  L.  5887. 

In  accordance  with  special  notices  to  its  members, 
this  Lodge  was  convened  at  the  place  and  on  the  day 
above  given,  at  seven  o  'clock,  P.  M.,  and  there  were 
present  the  following — 

[Officers,  members,  and  opening  as  before.] 
The  Master  announced  that  the  meeting  was 
called  for  the  purpose  of  electing  Commissioners  to 
hear  and  determine  upon  a  charge  of  unmasonic  con- 
duct preferred  by  a  Master  Mason  in  good  standing 
against  a  brother  of  this  Lodge;  (or  of  some  other 
Lodge,  naming  it;  or,  if  a  non-affiliated  Mason,  say- 
ing so;)  and  stated  that  the  first  business  would  be 
to  determine  the  number  to  be  elected,  the  Consti- 
tution permitting  not  less  than  seven  nor  more  than 
nine. 

On  motion  of  Bro.  Oscar  O.  Olney,  it  was — 
Ordered,  That  the  number  of  Commissioners  to  be 
elected  be  seven. 

The  Master  instructed  the  brethren  that  the  elec- 
tion must  be  by  ballot,  and  that  each  member  pres- 
ent should  write  upon  his  ballot  the  names  of  seven 
members;  and  he  named  as  tellers,  Bros.  Francis  F. 
Foster  and  George  G.  Griffith. 

Upon  counting  the  ballots  it  was  found  that  the 
four  following  named  brethren  had  each  received  a 
majority  of  all  the  votes  of  the  members  present, 
viz.: — 

[Here  give  their  names.] 

and  they  were  declared  by  the  Master  to  be  duly 
elected  to  serve  as  Commissioners. 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE  213 

The  Master  directed  that  another  ballot  be  taken 
for  the  remaining  three;  and  it  being  found  that — 

[Here  give  their  names.] 

had  each  received  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast, 
they  also  were  declared  to  be  elected  as  Commis- 
sioners. 

The  Master  announced  that  the  first  meeting  of 
the  Commissioners  would  be  held  in  the  Hall  of  the 
Lodge  (or  any  other  convenient  and  proper  place), 
on  Saturday,  the  17th  inst,  at  seven  o'clock,  P.  M., 
and  directed  the  Secretary  to  notify  each  of  the 
Commissioners  thereof,  either  in  person  or  by  writ- 
ing. 

He  also  directed  the  Secretary  to  prepare  for  his 
signature  a  summons  for  the  accused  to  appear  at 
that  time  and  place,  and  a  copy  of  the  charge  and 
specifications  to  accompany  the  summons  when 
served;  and  also  to  notify  the  accuser  of  the  time 
and  place  of  meeting  of  the  Commissioners. 

The  purpose  of  the  meeting  being  accomplished, 
the  Lodge  was  closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


NOTE. — All  the  forms  necessary  in  the  foregoing  and  in 
the  course  of  the  trial,  and  the  manner  of  their  service, 
will  be  found  in  the  authorized  pamphlet  known  as  a 
"Form  for  Record  of  Trials  and  Transcripts  thereof."  The 
general  law  upon  the  subject  will  be  found  in  Article  IV, 
Part  VI,   of  the  Constitution. 


214 


FORMATION    OF.  NEW    LODGE 


Stated  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  Dec.  26,  A.  L.  5887. 

Example  Lodge  No.  — ,  assembled,   etc.,    (giving 
officers  and  appointments  as  before),  arid  the  Lodge 
was  opened  in  the  third  degree 
[Reading  of  minutes  and  other  usual  business   as   before.  1 

The  Charity  Committee  reported  that  they  had 
found  the  widow  of  our  late  Bro  Robert  R.  Rogers 
to  be  worthy  and  in  need;  that  an  order  for  the  sum 
of  twenty  dollars  had  been  drawn  for  her  benefit; 
and  that  she  would  require  further  aid  for  some  time 
to  come.  Whereupon,  on  motion  of  Bro.  Daniel  D. 
Dawson,  it  was — 

Ordered,  That  the  sum  of  twenty  dollars  per 
month  be  paid  to  the  widow  of  Bro.  Rogers  during 
such  period  as  may  be  deemed  necessary  by  the 
Charity  Committee. 

The  Auditing  Committee  reported  that  the  state- 
ment of  expenses  incurred  by  Parvin  Lodge,  No.  11, 
Iowa,  for  the  relief  of  Bro.  Samuel  S.  Smith,  a  mem- 
ber of  this  Lodge,  had  been  found  correct,  and  that 
an  order  for  the  amount,  $ — ,  had  been  drawn  in 
favor  of  that  Lodge. 

The  Secretary  presented  his  annual  report,  which 
was  ordered  to  be  entered  upon  the  Record-Book, 
as  follows:  — 

[Secretary's  report.  1 

The  Treasurer  presented  his  annual  report,  which 
was  ordered  to  be  entered  upon  the  Record-Book,  as 
follows: — 

[Treasurer's  report.] 

The  committee,  appointed  to  examine  the  accounts 
of  the  Treasurer  and  Secretary,  presented  a  report 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE  215 

thereon,  which  also  was  ordered  to  be  entered  upon 
the  Record-Book,  as  follows: — 

[Committee's  report.  1 
[Reports   of   committees  on   petitions   and  on   other   mat- 
ters,  should  now  be  presented  and  acted  upon,   and  all  the 
ordinary  business  of  the  Lodge  transacted.] 

This  being  the  meeting  designated  for  the  annual 
election  of  officers,  the  Master  named  Bros.  Francis 
F.  Foster  and  George  G.  Griffith  as  tellers,  and  the 
Lodge  proceeded  to  ballot. 

Upon  counting  the  votes,  the  following  named 
brethren  were  found  to  be  chosen: — 

Bro.  Alfred  A.  Andrews,    as  Master; 
"    Benjamin  B.  Brown,  "   Senior  Warden,  etc. 

The  election  being  concluded,  the  evening  of  to- 
morrow, December  twenty-seventh,  being  the  day  of 
St.  John,  the  Evangelist,  (or  any  other  day),  was 
designated  for  the  installation  of  the  officers. 

All  other  business  having  been  finished,  the  Mas- 
ter requested  the  visiting  brethren  (if  there  be  any) 
to  retire,  and,  in  the  presence  of  members  of  the 
Lodge  only,  announced  that  the  Commissioners  for 
the  trial  of  Bro.  (here  give  his  name)  had  found 
him  guilty  upon  one  (or  two,  or  all)  of  the  specifica- 
tions in  the  charge  of  unmasonic  conduct  preferred 
against  him,  and  also  upon  the  charge,  and  had  sen- 
tenced him  to  expulsion  (or  suspension)  from  all  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry  (or  to  reprimand  in 
open  Lodge).  (Or  had  found  him  not  guilty  upon 
all  the  specifications  of  the  charge  of  unmasonic  con- 
duct preferred  against  him,  etc.) 

The  Master  directed  the  Secretary  to  enter  upon 
the  Eecord-Book  the  finding  and  sentence  (if  any), 
as  the  judgment  of  the  Lodge;  to  file  the  record  of 
the  trial  among  its  archives;  and  to  prepare  a  cer- 


216  FORMATION    OF    NEW   LODGE 

tified   copy   thereof   for  immediate   transmission   to 
the  Grand  Secretary. 

The  Lodge  was  then  closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


Special  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Tuesday,  Dec.  27,  A.  L.  5887. 
This  Lodge  was  specially  convened  at  the  place 
and  on  the  day  above  named  at  seven  o  'clock,  P.  M., 
and  there  were  present  the  following — 

[Officers,  etc.,  as  before.] 

and  the  Lodge  was  opened  in  the  third  degree  of 
Masonry. 

The  Master  stated  that  the  meeting  was  for  the 
purpose  of  installing  the  officers  of  the  Lodge,  lately 
elected,  and  those  by  him  appointed,  whose  names 
were  read  by  the  Secretary,  as  follows: — 

[Here  give  the  names  of  the  appointed  officers.] 

The   Master   announced   that   the   Grand   Master, 

the  M.\  W.\  E C A ,  (or  any  Grand  or 

Past  Grand  Officer,  Master,  or  Past  Master,  of  this 
Jurisdiction,  or  the  Inspector  of  the  District,)  had 
been  invited  to  perform  the  ceremony  of  installation, 
and  requested  that  officer  to  take  the  chair. 

The  officers*  of  the  Lodge  were  then  installed  in 
their  respective  stations  and  places,  in  the  manner 


*  Before  the  Master  elect  can  be  installed  he  must  pre- 
sent to  the  Installing  Officer  a  certificate  of  qualification 
from  the  Inspector  of  the  District,  as  required  by  the  six- 
teenth  and   twenty-fifty   of   the   General   Regulations, 


FORMATION   OF    NEW   LODGE  217 

prescribed    in    the    "Installation    Service"    of    the 
jurisdiction,  as  follows: — 

[t  Here  give  their  full  names  and  offices.] 
The  Lodge  was  then  closed. 

Edward  E.  English, 
Approved,  Secretary. 

Alfred  A.  Andrews,  Master. 


Stated  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  July  — ,  A.  L.  5887. 
Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  assembled  at  the  place 
and  on  the  day  above  named,  at  eight  o  'clock,  P.  M., 
and  there  were  present  the  following — 
Officers: 

[Here  record  them.] 
and  sundry  members  and  visitors  as  shown  by  the 
Tyler 's  Eegister. 

The  Master  filled  the  vacant  stations  (or  places,  or 
both)  by  the  following  appointments  pro  tern: — 

[Here  insert  the  names,   as  before.] 
and  the  Lodge  was  opened  in  the  third  degree  of 
Masonry. 

[The  minutes  are  read  and  all  the  usual  business  transacted. ] 
Bro.  Volney  V.  Venable  gave  notice  that,  at  the 
next  stated  meeting,  he  would  offer  the  following 
resolution: — 


t  The  Secretary  must  send  to  the  Grand  Secretary  the 
"Certificate  of  Election,  Appointment,  and  Installation," 
prescribed  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII,  of  the  Constitution,  within 
twenty  days  after  the  installation,  as  required  by  the 
twenty-second  of  the  General  Regulations.  Forms  of  this 
Certificate  will  have  been  furnished  by  the  Grand  Secretary 
in  due  season. 


218 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE 


"Resolved,  That,  inasmuch  as  the  removal  of 
many  members  of  this  Lodge  from  its  jurisdiction 
(or  for  any  other  reason  or  reasons,)  has  rendered 
it  impossible  longer  successfully  and  properly  to  per- 
form its  work,  the  Grand  Lodge  be  respectfully  re- 
quested to  accept  the  surrender  of  its  charter. " 

On  motion  of  Bro.  William  W.  Wesley,  the  Secre- 
tary was  instructed  to  notify  every  member  of  the 
Lodge  that  a  resolution  to  surrender  its  charter 
would  be  introduced  at  the  next  stated  meeting,  and 
to  urgently  request  their  attendance. 

On  motion  of  Bro.  Xenophon  X.  Xavier,  the  Secre- 
tary was  directed  to  present,  at  the  next  stated 
meeting,  a  detailed  statement  of  the  liabilities  of 
the  Lodge;  of  the  amounts  owed  to  it  by  members 
or  others;  and  an  inventory  of  all  the  property  of 
every  kind  which  it  possesses,  with  an  approximate 
valuation  thereof. 

On  motion  of  Bro.  Yancey  Y.  Young,  the  Treasurer 
was  directed  to  present,  at  the  same  time,  a  state- 
ment of  his  receipts  and  disbursements  since  the 
date  of  his  last  report,  and  of  the  exact  condition  of 
the  treasury  at  the  time  of  statement. 

There  being  no  further  business,  the  Lodge  was 
closed. 


Approved,  Secretary. 

,  Master. 


Stated  Meeting. 

Hall  of  Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Masonville,  Monday,  August  — ,  A.  L.  5887. 
Example  Lodge,  No.  — ,  assembled,  probably  for 
the  last  time,  at  the  place  and  on  the  day  above 


FORMATION    OF    NEW    LODGE  219 

named,  at  eight  o  'clock,  P.  M.,  special  notice  having 
been  given  to  the  members,  and  there  were  present 
the  following — 

Officers: 
[Here  give  them,  as  before.] 

and  sundry  members  and  visitors  as  shown  by  the 
Tyler's  Eegister. 

[The  Master  filled  vacancies,  as  before.  1 
and  the  Lodge  was  opened  in  the  third  degree  of 
Masonry. 

[The  minutes  are  read  and  all  ordinary  business  trans- 
acted, as  before.] 

The  Secretary  reported  that  he  had  notified  every 
member  of  the  Lodge,  whose  residence  was  known 
to  him,  to  be  in  attendance  at  this  meeting. 

He  also,  in  obedience  to  the  instruction  given  at 
the  last  stated  meeting,  presented  a  report  showing 
the  liabilities  of  the  Lodge;  the  amounts  owed  to  it 
on  account  of  dues;  (and  on  other  accounts,  if  any,) 
and  an  inventory  of  all  its  property  of  every  kind, 
with  a  valuation  affixed  to  each  article. 

Which  report  was  ordered  to  be  entered  upon  the 
Record-Book,   as  follows: — 

[Report   of    Secretary.] 

The  Treasurer  presented  a  report,  showing  his  re- 
ceipts and  disbursements  since  the  date  of  his  last 
report,  with  the  balance  now  in  the  treasury,  (or 
the  deficiency,  as  the  case  may  be.) 

Which  report  was  also  ordered  to  be  entered  upon 
the  Eecord-Book,  as  follows: — 

[Report  of  Treasurer.] 

Bro.  Volney  V.  Venable  presented  the  resolution, 
of  which  he  had  given  notice  at  the  last  stated  meet- 


220  FORMATION    OF    NEW   LODGE 

ing,  relative  to  the  surrender  of  the  charter  of  the 
Lodge;  and,  upon  a  vote  of  ayes  and  noes,  it  was 
adopted  by  a  vote  of  fifteen  to  six.* 

Bro.  Zebulon  Z.  Zane  offered  the  following  resolu- 
tions:— 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  be  directed  to  pre- 
pare and  transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  as  soon 
as  possible,  a  certified  transcript  of  such  portions  of 
the  proceedings  of  the  Lodge  at  this  and  the  last 
preceding  stated  meetings,  as  relate  to  its  action  in 
regard  to  the  surrender  of  its  charter,  together  with 
a  copy  of  his  report,  and  that  of  the  Treasurer,  pre- 
sented at  this  meeting. 

Resolved,  That  the  Master  be  requested  to  recom- 
mend to  the  Grand  Secretary  some  suitable  and  well 
qualified  member  of  this  Lodge,  to  be  authorized  by 
that  officer  (if  he  so  desire),  to  perform  the  duties 
prescribed  in  Sec.  5,  Art.  VIII,  Part  I,  and  Sec  5, 
Art.  IV,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution,  relative  to  the 
disposal  of  its  funds,  jewels,  furniture,  and  other 
property,  and  the  final  settlement  of  its  affairs. 

Which  resolutions  were  adopted,  and  the  business 
being  all  completed,  Example  Lodge  No.  — ,  was 
finally  closed,  unless  otherwise  ordered  by  the  Grand 
Lodge. 


Approved,  •  Secretary. 
,  Master. 


*  If  thirteen  members  vote  in  the  negative,  the  resolu- 
tion will  be  lost.  A  majority,  no  matter  how  large  it  may 
be,  cannot  surrender  the  charter  if  that  number  of  members 
wish   to   retain   it. 


A  FOPvM   FOK  RECORDS  OF  TKIALs 
AND  OF  TRANSCRIPTS  THEREOF 


As  Reported  by  a  Committee  in  1871,  Recommended 
by  the  Grand  Lodge  in  1872,  and  now  Re- 
vised,   Amended    and    Reprinted. 


To  the  Lodges  under  the  Jurisdiction  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  California: 

When  our  present  Constitution  went  into  effect, 
in  the  year  1859,  it  was  thought  by  the  committee 
who  prepared  it,  and  by  the  Grand  Lodge  which 
adopted  it,  that  the  provisions  relative  to  trials  for 
Masonic  offenses,  as  set  forth  in  Part  VI  of  that  in- 
strument, and  especially  in  Article  IV,  of  that  Part, 
were  sufficiently  plain  and  explicit  to  ensure  a 
proper  manner  of  conducting  and  a  correct  method 
of  recording  the  proceedings  at  such  trials. 

Plain  and  explicit,  however,  as  those  provisions 
then  appeared,  and  still  seem  to  be,  it  is  neverthe- 
less the  fact  that  a  very  large  number  of  the  tran- 
scripts of  trial-records  which  come  up  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  are  deficient,  imperfect,  or  incorrect  in  many 
respect;?,  too  numerous  to  be  here  set  forth,  as  the 
object  of  this  paper  is  to  point  out  how  such  busi- 
ness should  be  transacted  and  recorded  by  the 
Lodges — not  how  it  has  not  been  done.  A  brief  ex- 
amination of  the  reports  of  the  Committees  of 
Grievances,  during  eight  or  ten  years  past,  will 
show  how  many  cases  have  been  remanded  to  the 


222  FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF   TRIALS 

Lodges  for  new  trials,  with  the  reasons,  as  above 
mentioned,  for  such  action. 

Under  these  circumstances,  to  spare  the  Gran$ 
Lodge  and  its  committees  much  time  and  labor,  and 
to  aid  the  Lodges  in  the  avoidance  of  the  annoyance 
and  loss  of  time  consequent  upon  so  many  second 
trials  of  the  same  cases,  it  was  ordered,  at  a  late 
Communication,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
prepare  a  suggestive  form  for  the  guidance  of  the 
Masters,  Secretaries,  and  Commissioners  of  Lodges 
in  the  proceedings  incident  to  trials  for  unmasonic 
conduct,  and  in  the  records  and  transcripts  of  the 
records  thereof. 

The  committee  named,  in  obedience  to  that  order, 
have  endeavored  to  perform  the  duty  assigned  them, 
and  now  present  the  following  suggestions — for  as 
suggestions  only  are  they  to  be  offered  until  ap- 
proved by  the  Grand  Lodge — for  the  consideration 
of  the  officers  of  Lodges  within  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  California,  as  a  Form  for  the 
Records  of  Trials  and  of  the  Transcripts  thereof. 


Here  followed  the  original  pamphlet  entitled  as 
above,  which  was  printed  and  transmitted  to  all  the 
Lodges  of  the  Jurisdiction;  and  which,  at  the  next 
succeeding  Annual  Communication  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  in  October,  1872,  was  ordered  to  be  recom- 
mended thereto. 

The  constant  demand  therefor  having  exhausted 
that  edition,  it  was  reprinted  in  1881;  and  now,  for 
the  same  reason,  it  is  again  reprinted,  with  a  few 
amendments  made  necessary  by  some  changes  of, 
or  additions  to,  the  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Grand  Secretary. 

San   Francisco,   June,    1887. 


FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS  Bap 

To  the  Lodges  under  the  Jurisdiction  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  F.  &  A.  M.  of  California: 

At  the  last  Annual  Communication  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted,  viz.: — 
Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Grievances  be 
authorized  and  directed  to  revise  and  have  reprinted 
the  pamphlet  known  as  "Form  of  Eecords  of  Trials 
and  Transcripts  Thereof/ '  and  to  incorporate  there- 
in a  full  form  for  a  transcript  of  the  record  of  trial 
for  guidance  of  Secretaries  in  making  up  the  same, 
and  that  a  copy  thereof  be  transmitted  to  the  Sec- 
retary of  each  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction. 

The  Committee  on  Grievances  has  endeavored  to 
perform  the  work  required  of  it  by  this  resolution. 
It  would  be  impossible  to  improve  on  the  work  of 
the  Committee  of  1871,  as  shown  by  the  pamphlet 
now  in  use,  so  far  as  that  work  goes,  and  no  attempt 
has  been  made  to  do  so.     Some  additions  have  been 
made   for   the   purpose   of   making   certain   matters 
clearer,  and  some  slight  changes  made  in  the  phrase- 
ology of  certain  parts  of  the  work.    There  have  also 
been  added  forms  and  directions  as  to  the  prepara- 
tions of  transcripts  and  records,  which,  it  is  hoped, 
will  aid  subordinate  Lodges  in  the  matter  of  trials. 
.    Frank  Marion  Angellotti, 
William  Thomas  Eeynolds, 
Thomas  Jefferson  Shacklef ord, 
William  Sewall  Wells, 
Edward  Reese  Thompson, 

Committee  on  Grievances. 
San  Francisco,  October,  1894. 


FORM  FOR  RECORDS  OF  TRIALS  AND 
OF  TRANSCRIPTS  THEREOF 


As  Reported  by  a  Committee  in  1871,  Recommended 

by  the  Grand  Lodge  in  1872,  and  Revised, 

Approved  and  Reprinted  by  the 

Grand  Lodge  in  1894. 


1st.  Section  1,  Article  IV,  Part  VI,  of  the  Con- 
stitution, provides  how  and  when  charges  of  un- 
masonie  conduct  may  be  preferred  against  a  brother. 
Such  charges  must  be  in  writing  and  may  be  pre- 
ferred by  any  Master  Mason  in  good  standing,  and 
must  be  presented  to  the  Master  of  the  Lodge  and 
not  to  the  Lodge.  The  Lodge  or  Master  of  the 
Lodge  may  direct  charges  to  be  preferred  against 
a  brother,  in  which  case  they  should  be  preferred  by 
the  Junior  Warden. 

2d.  The  charge  itself  should  be  a  general  one  of 
unmasonic  conduct,  and  should  be  defined  in  a  speci- 
fication or  specifications  to  follow,  setting  forth, 
with  clearness  and  precision,  the  offense  or  offenses 
complained  of,  and  giving  time,  place,  and  all  neces- 
sary particulars  relating  thereto,  as  distinctly  as 
possible,  so  that  the  accused  may  haye  full  knowl- 
edge of  all  that  he  may  be  called  upon  to  explain, 
disprove,  or  justify.  The  following  may  be  used  as 
a  general  form  for  a — 


FORM    FOR   RECORDS   OF   TRIALS  225 

Charge  of  Unmasonic  Conduct. 

,  Cal.,  ,  18...... 

To  the  Master  of Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  and  A.  M. 

Worshipful  Sir  and  Brother: 

The  undersigned,  a  Master  Mason  in  good  stand- 
ing, and  a  member  of  Lodge,  No ,  at 

,  in  the  State  of  ,  does  hereby  charge 

Bro.  A B ,  a  Mason  now  residing 

(or  said  to  be  residing)   at  in  the  State  of 

,  with  unmasonic  conduct,  as  set  forth  in  the 

following  specifications: — 

First.     That  on  or  about  the  day  of , 

18 ,  he  did  (here  state  the  offense  as  particularly 

as  may  be  practicable.) 

Second.     That  on  or  about  the  day  of , 

18 .,  he  did,  etc.  (here  state  the  second  specifica- 
tion, if  any). 

Third.  That  on  or  about,  etc.  (following  with  as 
many  specifications  as  there  are  distinct  offenses 
charged). 

For  all  which   the   undersigned  desires  that   the 

said  A B may  be  brought  to  trial  and 

dealt   with   in   such   manner   as   our   Masonic   laws 
provide. 

Eespectfully    and    Fraternally, 

C D . 

Should  the  charge  be  preferred  by  the  Junior  War- 
den, under  the  direction  of  the  Lodge  or  Master,  the 
first  portion  of  the  first  paragraph  foregoing  should 
then  read — 

The  undersigned,  a  Master  Mason  in  good  stand- 

ing,  and  Junior  Warden  of  Lodge,  No , 

at ,  in  the  State  of  ,  does  hereby,  by 


226  FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS 

direction  of  that  Lodge,  (or  of  the  Master  thereof), 
charge  Bro.  A B ,  etc. 

3d.  The  Master  should  carefully  examine  the 
charge  and  specifications,  and,  if  they  are  evidently 
frivolous,  or  if  the  act  or  acts  with  which  the 
accused  is  charged,  is  or  are  clearly  such  as  do  not 
constitute  a  Masonic  offense,  he  may  refuse  to  en- 
tertain them.  But,  should  it  appear  otherwise,  and 
it  is  known  to  him  that  the  accuser  is  a  Master 
Mason  in  good  standing,  he  is  to  call  a  special  meet- 
ing of  his  Lodge,  as  soon  as  practicable  (see  Sec.  2, 
Art.  IV,  Part  VI,  of  the  Constitution,)  by  due  notifi- 
cation to  every  member  thereof  whose  residence  is 
known  and  is  within  such  distance  as  may  reason- 
ably permit  him  to  attend;  which  notification  shall 
state  that  the  purpose  of  the  meeting  is  to  elect 
Commissioners  to  try  a  brother  (using  no  name) 
upon  a  charge  of  unmasonic  conduct,  should  be  in 
writing  or  in  print,  and  should  be  served  personally, 
if  possible,  by  the  Tyler  or  some  brother  designated 
for  the  purpose;  or,  if  it  be  not  convenient  so  to  serve 
it,  should  be  left  at  his  ordinary  residence  or  place 
of  business,  or  be  sent  by  mail.  The  following  is 
proposed  at  a  form  of  such — 

Notification  to  Members. 

Hall  of Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M. 

At.... ,  Cal.,  ,  18 

Bro.  E F— , 

You  are  hereby  notified  to  attend  a  special  meet- 
ing of  this  Lodge,  to  be  holden  on  the  day  of 

,  18.......  at  o'clock,'....  M.,  for  the 

purpose  of  electing  Commissioners  to  try  a  brother 


FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS  227 

upon  a  charge  of  unmasonic  conduct  preferred 
against  him  by  a  Master  Mason  in  good  standing. 

By  order  of  the  Master. 

[Seal.]  G H ,  Secretary. 

4th.  At  such  special  meeting  the  Master  will  an- 
nounce its  purpose,  as  above  recited,  and  will  ascer- 
tain, by  a  vote  of  the  Lodge,  the  number  of  Com- 
missioners (not  less  than  seven  nor  more  than  nine, 
see  Const.,  Sec.  2,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI),  which  it  shall 
deem  proper  to  elect.  Each  member  present  will 
write  the  name  of  as  many  members  of  the  Lodge 
upon  one  ballot  as  shall  correspond  with  the  number 
of  Commissioners  determined  upon,  and,  upon  count- 
ing the  ballots,  such  members  as  shall  be  found  to 
have  received  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  east,  shall 
be  declared  elected  as  Commissioners.  In  case  the 
full  number  should  not  be  elected  on  the  first  bal- 
lot, another  ballot  will  be  had  for  the  remainder  in 
the  same  manner;  and  again  and  again,  if  necessary, 
until  the  full  number  of  Commissioners  shall  have 
been  elected,  each  by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of 
those  present.  (See  Const.,  Sec.  2,  Art.  IV,  Part 
VI.) 

5th.  The  Master  will  then  name  the  time  and 
place  for  the  first  meeting  of  the  Commissioners, 
keeping  in  view  the  provisions  of  Sections  2  and  3, 
Art.  IV,  Part  VI,  of  the  Constitution,  relative  to 
the  convenience  of  the  parties  and  the  time  allowed 
to  the  accused  for  appearance,  and  will  direct  the 
Secretary  to  notify  each  Commissioner  of  his  elec- 
tion and  of  such  time  and  place  of  meeting,  either 
in  person  or  in  writing,  and  will  also  direct  the  Sec- 
retary to  notify  the  accuser  of  such  time  and  place 
of  meeting.  (For  form  of  record  of  this  meeting  of 
the  Lodge,  see  Sec.  24,  Sub.  A.) .  The  following  may 


228  FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS 

be  the  forms  of  such  notifications  to  the  Commis- 
sioners and  accuser: — 

Notification  to   a  Commissioner. 

Hall  of  Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M. 

At  ,  Cal.,  18 

Bro.  I J , 

You  are  hereby  notified  that,  at  a  special  meeting 

of  this  Lodge  held  on  the  day  of  ,  18...., 

you  were  elected  to  be  one  of  the  ....  Commissioners 
designated  to  try  a  certain  charge  of  unmasonic  con- 
duct preferred  against  a  brother  by  a  Master  Mason 
in  good  standing;  and  that  a  meeting  of  said  Com- 
missioners, for  that  purpose,  will  be  held  at , 

on  the  day  of  ,  18....,  at  ....  o'clock, 

....  M. 

By  order  of  the  Master. 

[Seal.]  G H ,  Secretary. 

Notification  to  an  Accuser. 

Hall  of  Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M. 

At ,  Cal., ,  18... 

Bro.  C D , 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  the  Commissioners 
elected  by  this  Lodge  to  try  a  certain  charge  pre- 
ferred by  you  against  Bro.  A B ,  will 

assemble  at  ,  on  ,  the  day 

of ,  at  ....  o'clock,  ....M,  for  that  purpose. 

By  order  of  the  Master. 

[Seal.]  G H ,  Secretary. 

6th.  The  Master,  at  the  same  meeting,  will  direct 
the  Secretary  to  prepare  for  his  signature  a  summons 


FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS  229 

for  the  accused  to  appear  for  trial  at  the  time  and 
place  before  named,  which  summons,  when  properly 
signed  and  authenticated,  shall  be  served  in  the  man- 
ner prescribed  in  Sec.  2,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI,  of  the 
Constitution;  and  he  will  also  direct  the  .Secretary 
to  prepare  a  copy  of  the  charge  and  specifications 
(the  original  of  which  will  be  handed  him  for  that 
purpose),  and  to  properly  certify  it,  under  seal,  and 
transmit  it  to  the  accused  with  the  summons.  The 
following  is  proposed  as  a  form  for  a — 

Summons  to  an  Accused  Brother. 

Hall  of  Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M. 

At ,  Cal.,  ,  18.... 

Bro.  A B , 

You  are  hereby  summoned  to  appear  at  ...T ,  on 

,  the  day  of  ,  18 ,  at  

o  'clock,  ....  M.,  there  and  then  to  answer  to  a  certain 
charge  of  unmasonic  conduct  preferred  against  you 

by  Bro.  C D ,  a  Master  Mason  in  good 

standing,  a  certified  copy  of  which  is  hereunto  an- 
nexed. 

Given  at  the  place  and  on  the  day  first 
[Seal.]  above   written,   as   witness   my  hand 

and  the  Seal  of  our  Lodge,  with  the 
attestation  of  our  Secretary. 

Attest:  K L ,  Master. 

G H ,  Secretary. 

7th.  The  Summons  should  be  issued  in  duplicate, 
one  copy  to  be  delivered  or  transmitted  to  the  ac- 
cused, and  the  other  to  be  presented  to  the  Commis- 
sioners, with  a  proper  certificate  of  service  appended 
thereto.  It  is  usual  that  the  Secretary  or  Tyler  per- 
form such  service,  but  it  may  be  done  by  any 
brother  whom  the  Master  shall  designate. 


230  FORM    FOR   RECORDS   OF   TRIALS 

8th.  The  Constitution  (Sec.  3,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI), 
is  explicit  as  to  the  course  that  must  be  followed  in 
notifying  the  accused  if  he  be  within  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  Lodge  or  if  his  residence  be  known,  and 
the  course  there  prescribed  must  be  strictly  fol- 
lowed. If  the  accused  be  within  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  Lodge,  the  summons  and  copy  of  the  charges 
shall  be  served  personally  on  the  accused,  or  shall 
be  left  at  his  ordinary  residence  or  place  of  busi- 
ness. 

If  the  accused  be  not  within  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  Lodge,  and  his  residence  is  known,  they  shall 
be  forwarded  to  his  address  by  the  Secretary  by 
mail  or  other  usual  mode  of  conveyance.  In  making 
the  service,  the  times  specified  in  this  section  of  the 
Constitution  must  be  observed.  The  following  may 
be  a  form  for  the  certificate  of  service,  when  the 
service  is  not  had  by  mail  or  other  mode  of  con- 
veyance:— 

Certificate  of  Service. 

I,  ,  Secretary  (or  Tyler,  or  a  mem- 
ber authorized  by  the  Master  for  this  purpose),  of 
this  Lodge,  hereby  certify  that  I  duly  served  the 

annexed  summons  upon  Bro ,  the  accused 

brother,  named  therein,  on  the  day  of , 

18 ,  by  delivering  to  him  in  person  at , 

(or  leaving  at  his  ordinary  place  of  residence,  to- 

wit:  street,  in  ....." ,  California),  or 

leaving  at  his  place  of  business,  to-wit: , 

in ,  California),  the  duplicate  thereof, 

together  with  a  certified  copy  of  the   charge  and 
specifications  which  accompanied  the  summons. 


FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS  231 

The  following  may  be  a  form  for  the  certificate  of 
service  when  the  service  is  had  by  mail  or  other 
mode  of  conveyance: — 

Certificate  of  Service. 

I,  ,  Secretary  of  this  Lodge,  hereby 

certify  that  on  the  day  of  ......  18 ,  I 

forwarded  by  mail  (or  other  usual  mode  of  convey- 
ance, stating  it),  to  Bro ,  named  in  the 

annexed  summons,  at  ,  in  the  State  of 

,  which  place  is  the  residence  of  the 

said  brother,  the  duplicate  of  the  annexed  summons, 
together  with  a  certified   copy  of   the   charge   and 
specifications  which  accompanied  the  summons. 
,  Secretary. 

9th.  The  Constitution  provides  (Sec.  3,  Art.  IV, 
Part  VI),  that  if  the  address  of  the  accused  be  un- 
known, the  Master  shall  order  the  trial  to  proceed 
at  once  upon  the  testimony  ex  parte.  This  is  the 
only  case  in  which  the  trial  of  the  accused  can  be 
legally  had  without  service  of  summons  on  him  as 
mentioned  hereinbefore.  It  would  seem  to  devolve 
on  the  Master  to  ascertain  whether  or  not  the  ad- 
dress of  the  accused  be  unknown,  and  his  finding 
on  that  question  and  direction  for  the  trial  to  pro- 
ceed ex  parte  should  appear  in  the  record.  This 
finding  might  properly  be  announced  at  the  meeting 
of  the  Lodge  for  the  election  of  Trial  Commissioners, 
after  the  election  thereof,  and  before  the  naming 
of  the  time  and  place  for  trial,  and  may  be  in  the 
following  form: — 

The  Master  announced  that,  after  due  investiga- 
tion, he  finds  that  the  address  of  the  accused  is 
unknown,  and  that  his  present  whereabouts  are  un- 


^32  FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS 

known,  and  therefore  orders  that  the  trial  shall 
proceed  upon  the  testimony  ex  parte.     The  Master 

named ,  the  day  of  ,  18...., 

etc. 

10th.  The  Master  will  issue  summonses  for  wit- 
nesses at  the  request  of  either  the  accuser  or  the 
accused,  and  the  following  may  be  the  form  of 
such:— 

Summons  to  a  Witness. 

Hall  of Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M. 

At ,  Cal.,  ,  18.... 

Bro.  S T- , 

You  are  hereby  summoned  to  appear  at , 

on  ,  the  day  of .,  18....,  at 

....  o'clock,  ....  M.,  there  and  then  to  testify  in  rela- 
tion to  a  certain  charge  of  unmasonic  conduct  pre- 
ferred  by   Bro.    C— —   D ,    against   Bro.    A 

B . 

Given  at  the  place  and  on  the  day  first 

[Seal.]            above   written,   as  witness  my  hand 
and  the  seal  of  our  Lodge,  with  the 
attestation  of  our  Secretary. 
Attest:  K L ,  Master. 

G H ,  Secretary. 

11th.  The  Commissioners  will  assemble  at  the 
place  and  time  directed  by  the  Master.  The  Master 
and  Secretary  of  the  Lodge  will  also  be  present  and 
will  remain  present  until  the  conclusion  of  the  trial. 
(See  Const.,  Sections  4  and  8,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI.) 
No  chairman  is  to  be  elected,  but  the  Master  will 
preside  throughout.  He  will  state  the  purpose  for 
which  the  Commission  is  assembled.  The  Secretary 
shall  keep  a  full  and  correct  record  of  the  proceed- 
ings   and    judgment.      The    names    of    the    Commis- 


FORM    FOR    RECORDS   OF    TRIALS  233 

sioners  elected  will  be  called  by  the  Secretary,  and 
those  found  present,  as  well  as  the  Master  and  him- 
self, will  be  noted  upon  the  record.  If  a  majority 
of  the  Commissioners  be  present  the  trial  may  pro- 
ceed (see  Decision  4,  page  381,  Vol.  IV,  Proceed- 
ings), or  they  may  adjourn  to  some  future  time 
within  the  limitations  prescribed  by  Sec.  7,  Art.  IV, 
Part  VI,  Const.  (See  Const.,  Sec.  7,  Art.  IV,  Part 
VI.) 

12th.  The  Commission  being  ready  to  proceed,  the 
Master  will  cause  the  charge  and  specifications  to  be 
read  by  the  Secretary,  and  also  the  summons  to  the 
accused,  with  the  certificate  of  service  thereof,,  all 
which  should  appear  upon  the  record.  The  fact 
that  the  accuser  was  duly  notified  should  also  appear, 
and  the  record  should  likewise  show  whether  both 
or  either  were  present.  If  counsel  appears  for  either 
accused  or  accuser,  as  is  allowed  by  our  law  (see 
Const.,  Sec.  6,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI),  that  fact  also 
should  find  proper  place  in  the  record;  and,  if  there 
be  objection  to  any  of  the  Commissioners,  the  rea- 
sons for  the  objection  may  at  this  time  be  stated, 
and  the  Master  should  decide  as  to  their  validity, 
all  of  which  should  be  stated  in  the  record. 

13th.  The  accused  should  now  present  his  answer 
to  the  charge  and  specifications,  which  answer  may 
be  either  oral  or  written,  and  should  be  made  a  part 
of  the  record.  In  this  answer  he  may  make  a  gen- 
eral or  particular  denial  of  all  the  specifications  of 
the  charge;  or  he  may  deny  some  and  admit  others, 
and  may  make  statements  in  justification  or  extenua- 
tion of  those  admitted;  or  he  may  admit  all,  with 
expressions  of  sorrow  for  his  misconduct!  or,  in  fact, 
he  may  make  any  answer  which  to  him,  or  his  coun- 
sel, shall  seem  meet. 


234  FORM    FOR    RECORDS   OF    TRIALS 

.  14th.  The  testimony  will  then  be  received  in  the 
manner  prescribed  by  Section  5,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI, 
of  the  Constitution.  All  oral  testimony,  direct  and 
cross,  will  be  written  out  in  full  by  the  Secretary; 
and,  when  each  witness  giving  such  testimony  shall 
have  concluded,  his  testimony  shall  be  read  to  him, 
and,  after  such  corrections  as  he  may  wish  to  make, 
shall  be  signed  by  him  in  the  presence  of  the  Com- 
missioners. The  documentary  testimony  will  be 
presented  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  the  section 
of  the  Constitution  last  referred  to,  and  will  be  made 
a  part  of  the  record. 

15th.  As  will  be  seen  in  Section  5,  Article  IV, 
Part  VI,  above  mentioned,  authority  may  be  given 
to  the  Master  of  another  Lodge  to  take  the  testi- 
mony of  a  Mason  residing  within  the  jurisdiction  of 
his  Lodge.  In  such  case  the  following  may  be  a 
form  for  such — 

Letter  of  Authorization  to  Take  Testimony. 

Hall  of Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M. 

At ,  Cal.,  ,  18.... 

To  the  Worshipful  U V , 

Master  of  Lodge  No ,  F.  and  A.  M. 

At  ,  County  of  ,  Cal. 

A  charge  of  unmasonic  conduct  having  been  pre- 
ferred in  this  Lodge  by  Bro.  C D ,  a 

Master  Mason  in  good  standing,  against  Bro.  A 

B ,  a  member  of  Lodge,  No ,  at 

,  a  copy  of  which  charge,  with  the  specifi- 
cations, is  herewith  transmitted;  and  the  testimony 

of  Bro.  W X ,  a  member   (or  a  Mason 

residing  within  the  jurisdiction)  of  your  Lodge,  be- 
ing deemed  important  at  the  trial  of  said  charge, 


FORM    FOR   RECORDS   OF   TRIALS  235 

you  are  hereby  authorized  and  requested  to  take  the 

testimony  of  the  said  Bro.  W X upon 

such  matters  as  either  the  accuser  or  the  accused, 
or  both,  may  indicate  in  the  paper  (or  papers)  here- 
with annexed,  and  to  make  return  thereof  to  me  as 
early  as  may  be  possible. 

Given  at  the  place  and  on  the  day  first 

[Seal.]            above  written,  as  witness  my  hand, 
the  Seal  of  our  Lodge,  and  the  attes- 
tation of  our  Secretary. 
Attest:  K L ,  Master. 

G H ,  Secretary. 

It  should  not  be  forgotten  that,  when  either  party 
desires  to  have  testimony  taken  elsewhere  than  be- 
fore the  Commissioners,  notice  thereof  must  be  given 
to  the  other  party. 

16th.  The  testimony  taken  upon  an  authorization, 
such  as  the  foregoing,  should  be  written  out  pre- 
cisely in  the  same  manner,  with  question  and  answer, 
as  though  taken  before  the  Commissioners;  and, 
after  being  so  written  out  and  signed  by  the  wit- 
ness, should  be  attached  to  and  be  returned  with 
the  authorization,  accompanied  with  the  follow- 
ing: 

Certificate. 

,  Cal.,  ,  18.... 

I  do  hereby  certify  that  the  foregoing  pages,  num- 
bered from  to  ,  inclusive,  contain  the  full, 

true,  and  perfect  deposition  of  Bro.  W X , 

taken  by  me  under  and  by  virtue  of  the  annexed 
authorization. 

U V , 

Master  of  Lodge,  No , 


236  hORM    FOR    RECORDS    OK    TRIALS 

17th.  If  the  testimony  of  witnesses  who  are  not 
Masons  is  desired,  such  witnesses  may  appear  be- 
fore the  Commission,  and  after  having  been  put 
under  oath  or  affirmation  by  some  officer  authorized 
by  the  laws  of  the  State  to  administer  oaths,  may 
testify  before  the  Commission  in  the  same  manner 
as  Masons  who  appear  before  the  Commission.  Or 
such  testimony  may  be  taken  by  deposition  before 
some  officer  authorized  by  the  laws  of  the  State 
wherein  the  testimony  is  taken  to  administer  oaths, 
and  at  such  times  and  place  and  upon  such  notice  to 
the  adverse  party  as  shall  be  designated  by  the  Mas- 
ter. Witnesses  who  are  Masons  in  good  standing 
shall  testify  upon  their  honor  as  such;  and  all  others 
shall  testify  under  oath  or  affirmation.  (Sec.  5,  Art. 
IV,  Part  VI,  Const.) 

18th.  Should  the  Commissioners,  by  permission 
of  the  Master  for  good  reasons  shown  (see  Const., 
Sec.  7,  Art.  IV.,  Part  VI),  extend  the  period  of 
their  sittings  beyond  ten  days,  the  fact  that  such 
permission  had  been  given,  and  the  reasons  there- 
for, should  appear  at  the  proper  place  or  places  in 
the  record. 

19th.  The  testimony  being  all  received,  the  Com- 
missioners will  proceed  to  deliberate  upon  their  ver- 
dict and  sentence  with  none  present  save  them- 
selves, the  Master  and  Secretary.  The  Master  arid 
Secretary  will  both  remain  with  them  (see  Const., 
Sec.  8,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI),  the  first  having  no  vote, 
but  having  authority  to  decide  any  point  of  Ma- 
sonic law  or  usage  which  may  arise,  and  the  last 
having  only  to  keep  a  full  and  correct  record  of  the 
proceedings.  After  sufficient  consultation  and  de- 
liberation, a  vote  for  "guilty"  or  "not  guilty," 
by  ballot   (see  Decision  4,  Page  381,  Vol.  IV,  Pro- 


FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS  237 

ceedings),  should  be  taken  upon  each  specification, 
and  each  such  vote  should  be  recorded;  and  a  simi- 
lar vote  should  thus  be  taken  upon  the  charge  of 
unmasonic  conduct  and  be  thus  recorded,  as  it 
might  be  that  the  facts  proven  and  found  did  not 
constitute  a  Masonic  offense.  A  majority  of  all  the 
Commissioners  elected  is  requisite  to  find  a  verdict 
of  " guilty.7 '  (See  Decision  above  given.)  Should 
the  accused  thus  be  found  guilty  of  one  or  more  of 
the  specifications,  and  of  the  charge  of  unmasonic 
conduct,  the  Commissioners  will  proceed  to  vote, 
by  ballot,  upon  the  sentence,  and  a  majority  of  all 
the  Commissioners  elected  will  be  required  to  ad- 
judge it,  whatsoever  it  may  be.  (See  Decision  be- 
fore.) The  vote  will  first  be  upon  the  question  by 
the  Master — " Shall  the  accused  be  expelled?' ' — and 
the  ballots  should  have  written  upon  them  "aye" 
or  ' '  no. ' '  Should  there  not  be  the  requisite  majority 
for  expulsion,  the  question  will  next  be — "Shall  the 
accused  be  suspended?" — and  it  will  be  decided  in 
the  same  manner.  Should  there  not  be  the  required 
majority  for  suspension,  the  last  question  will  be 
— "Shall  the  accused  be  reprimanded?" — and  it 
will  be  decided  like  the  others.  All  this  should  be 
recorded,  giving  the  number  of  votes,  both  "aye" 
and  "no"  upon  each  proposition. 

20th.  The  trial  being  ended,  the  Secretary  will, 
as  soon  as  possible,  under  the  supervision  of  the 
Commissioners,  make  a  fair  copy  of  the  record  and 
finding,  which  is  to  be  signed  by  all  the  Commis- 
sioners, who  acted  in  the  case,  attested  by  the  Sec- 
retary, and  handed  to  the  Master;  and  he,  at  the 
next  stated  meeting  of  the  Lodge,  in  the  presence 
of  its  members  only,  will  announce  the  finding  and 
sentence  (if  there  be  any  sentence),  and  direct  the 


238  FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS 

Secretary  to  record  the  same  as  the  judgment  of 
the  Lodge,  and  to  file  the  record  of  the  trial  among 
its  archives.  (See  Const.,  Sec.  8,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI.) 
It  would  be  well  that  this  be  the  last  business  done 
at  such  meeting,  as  visitors  should  then  be  requested 
to  retire;  and  the  following  may  be  a  form  for 
entry  in  the  Eecord  Book  of  such — 

Record  of  Finding. 

All  other  business  being  concluded,  and  there 
being  present  only  members  of  his  Lodge,  the  Mas- 
ter presented  the  record  of  the  trial  of  Bro.  A 

B ,  by  the  Commissioners  elected  on  the , 

18....,  and  announced  that  he  had  been  found  guilty 
upon  one  (or  two,  or  all),  of  the  specifications  in 
the  charge  of  unmasonic  conduct  preferred  against 
him,  and  also  upon  the  charge;  and  had  been  sen- 
tenced to  expulsion  (or  suspension)  from  all  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry.  (Or  to  repri- 
mand in  open  Lodge.)  (Or  that  he  had  been  found 
not  guilty  upon  all  the  specifications  of  the  charge 
of  unmasonic  conduct  preferred  against  him.)  The 
Master  directed  the  Secretary  to  record  the  same  as 
the  judgment  of  the  Lodge  and  to  file  the  record  of 
the  trial  among  its  archives. 

21st.  The  transcript  of  the  record  of  trial,  men- 
tioned in  Section  10,  Article  IV,  Part  VI,  of  the 
Constitution,  will  be  a  fair  copy  of  the  proceedings 
of .  the  Lodge  at  the  election  of  Commissioners,  of 
the  record  of  the  proceedings  before  the  Commis- 
sioners, as  hereinbefore  directed  to  be  kept,  and  of 
the  announcement  of  the  result  in  the  Lodge,  as 
suggested  in  the  next  preceding  paragraph.  It 
should  be  written  plainly  on  cap  paper,  fastened  at 


FORM    FOR   RECORDS   OF   TRIALS  239 

the  upper  end,  and  should  be  certified  by  the  Secre- 
tary with  the  seal  of  the  Lodge. 

22d.  The  26th  of  the  General  Eegulations, 
adopted  in  1882,  prescribes  the  following: — 

"  Every  transcript  of  a  trial-record,  when  pre- 
pared by  the  Secretary  of  any  subordinate  Lodge  in 
this  jurisdiction,  shall,  before  its  transmission  to  the 
Grand  Secretary,  be  submitted  to  the  Master  of  the 
Lodge,  who  shall  carefully  examine  the  same  and 
see  that  it  complies  with  the  'Form  of  Eecords  of 
Trials  and  Transcripts  thereof,'  heretofore  adopted 
by  this  Grand  Lodge;  that  it  is  fairly  and  legibly 
written,  with  sufficient  spaces  between  papers  and 
testimony;  and  that  it  otherwise  complies  with  the 
Constitution  and  Eegulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and  said  Master  shall  endorse  his  approval  there- 
upon. ' ' 

23d.  It  should  be  remembered  (see  Const.,  Sec. 
10,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI),  that  in  all  cases  of  expulsion 
or  suspension,  whether  there  be  an  appeal  or  not, 
a  transcript  must  be  sent  to  the  Grand  Secretary; 
but  that,  in  cases  of  reprimand  or  acquittal,  such 
transcript  is  only  necessary  when  a  proper  notice  of 
appeal  has  been  given;  and  it  should  not  be  over- 
looked that  the  law  requires  such  transcripts  to  be 
sent  immediately  after  the  result  of  the  trial  shall 
have  been  announced  to  the  Lodge.  Section  10, 
Article  IV,  Part  VI,  Constitution,  provides  how  and 
within  what  time  an  appeal  may  be  taken  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  by  either  party. 

24th.      Form  of  Transcript  of  Record  of  Trial. 

(a).  First  should  come  a  fair  copy  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Lodge  at  the  special  meeting  thereof 
held  for  the  election  of  Trial-Commissioners,  which 


240  FORM    FOR   RECORDS   OF   TRIALS 

should   have   been   entered   in   the   minutes    of    the 
Lodge  in  substantially  the  following  form:— 

Form  of  Eecord 
At  a  Meeting  for  election  of  Trial-Commissioners. 

Hall  of  Lodge,  No.  ....,  F.  and  A.  M.     . 

At ,  California, ,  18.... 

By  order  of  the  Master,  of  which  due  notification 
was  given  to  the  brethren,  this  Lodge  was  specially 
convened  at  the  place  and  on  the  day  above  written, 
at  ....  o'clock,  ....  M.,  and  there  were  present  the 
following: — 

(Here  give  the  names  and  titles  of  the  officers, 
and  the  number  of  other  officers  present,  referring 
for  the  names  of  these  last  to  the  Tyler's  Register.) 

A  Lodge  of  Master  Masons  having  been  duly 
opened,  the  Master  stated  that  this  special  meeting 
had  been  called  for  the  purpose  of  electing  Com- 
missioners to  hear  and  determine  upon  a  certain 
charge  of  unmasonic  conduct  preferred  by  a  Master 
Mason  in  good  standing  against  a  brother  of  this 
Lodge  (or  of  some  other  Lodge,  naming  it,  or,  if  a 
non-affiliated  Mason,  saying  so),  and  desired  that 
the  Lodge  should  indicate  the  number  of  Commis- 
sioners which  it  deemed  advisable  to  elect. 

On  motion,  duly  seconded,  it  was  voted  that  the 
number  of  Commissioners  be 

The  Master  appointed  Bros.  O P and 

q r to  act  as  tellers,  and  the  Lodge 

proceeded  to  ballot  for  Commissioners. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  ....  ballot  it  was  found 
that   the   following   named   brethren   had   each    re- 


FORM    FOR   RECORDS   OF   TRIALS  241 

ceived  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  all  the  members 
present,   viz.: — 

(Here  give  the  names  in  full  of  all  the  Commis- 
sioners elected.) 

And  they  were  declared  by  the  Master  to  be  duly 
elected  to  serve  as  Commissioners. 

[Note. — At  this  point,  if  the  Master  finds  that  the 
address  of  the  accused  is  unknown  and  directs  the 
trial  to  proceed  ex  parte,  record  thereof  may  be  in- 
serted as  provided  in  the  9th  Section,  and  the  direc- 
tion as  to  summons  being  transmitted  to  the  accused 
may  be  omitted.] 

The  Master  named  ,  the  day  of 

,  18....,  at  ....  o'clock,  ....  M.,  at  the  Lodge- 
room  (or  such  otlier  place  as  he  may  designate),  as 

the  time  and  place  for  the  first  meeting  of  the  Com- 
missioners, and  directed  the  Secretary  to  notify 
each  of  them  of  his  election  and  of  the  time  and 
place  of  meeting. 

The  Master  also  directed  the  Secretary  to  prepare, 
for  his  signature,  a  summons  to.  the  accused  to  ap- 
pear at  said  time  and  place  before  the  Commis- 
sioners, and  handed  the  charge  to  the  Secretary 
with  instructions  that  a  certified  copy  thereof, 
under  seal  of  the  Lodge,  be  made  and  transmitted 
to  the  accused  with  said  summons. 

The  Master  also  directed  the  Secretary  to  notify 
the  accuser  of  said  time  and  place  of  meeting  of  the 
Commissioners. 

The  business  being  thus  concluded,  the  Lodge  was 
closed. 

G H ,  Secretary. 

Approved: 

K L— -,  Master. 


242  FORM    FOR    RECORDS   OF  ^TRIALS 

(b.)  This  should  be  followed  by  the  record  of  the 
proceedings  before  the  Commissioners,  which  may 
be  in  substantially  the  following  form,  viz.: — 

At ,  CaL,  ,  19.... 

The  Commissioners  elected  by  Lodge,  No. 

,  F.  and  A.  M.,  on  ,  19....,  to  try  a 

certain  charge  of  unmasonic  conduct  preferred  by 

Bro „ ,   against   Bro.   ,   met   at   the 

time  and  place  above  noted,  in  accordance  with  the 
direction  of  the  Master. 

There  were  present  the  following  named  Com- 
missioners, to-wit:   Bros 

There  were  also  present  Bro.  — * ,  W.  M.   of 

said    Lodge,    and    Bro.    ,    Secretary    thereof. 

The  accused  was  (or  was  not)  present,  and  he  was 
(or  was  not)  represented  by  an  attorney  (naming 
him).  The  accuser  was  (or  was  not)  present,  and 
he  was  (or  was  not)  represented  by  an  attorney 
(naming  him). 

The  Master  then  stated  the  purpose  for  which  the 
Commission  is  assembled. 

A  majority  of  the  Commissioners  elected  being 
present,  the  trial  was  ordered  to  proceed. 

The  Master  then  caused  the  charge  and  specifica- 
tions to  be  read  by  the  Secretary,  and  also  the  sum- 
mons to  the  accused,  with  the  certificate  of  service 
thereof.     The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  same. 

(Here  insert  copy  of  charge,  see  2d  section;  copy 
of  summons,  see  6th  section;  and  copy  of  certificate 
of  service,  see  8th  section.) 

It  was  also  shown  that  the  accuser  had  been  duly 
notified.    No  objection  was  made  by  either  party  to 


FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS 


243 


any  of  the  Commissioners  (or,  if  objection  is  made, 
the  fact  and  reasons  given  must  he  stated,  together 
with  the  ruling  of  the  Master  thereon.) 

The  accused,  in  answer  to  said  charge  and  speci- 
fications, stated  (insert  his  statement  as  provided  in 
13th  section,  or,  if  his  plea  "be  in  writing,  insert 
copy  thereof.) 

The  Commissioners  then  proceeded  to  hear  the 
testimony,  and  the  following  testimony  was  intro- 
duced on  the  part  of  the  accuser: — 

Bro. ,  a  Mason  in  good  standing,  testified 

on  his   honor  as  a  Mason,   as  follows:     "I  am   a 

Mason  in  good  standing,  a  member  of  

Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M.,  of "    (Here 

insert  the  testimony  of  the  witness,  exactly  as  he 
gives  it  in  his  own  words,  giving  all  the  questions 
and  answers.) 

(Signed)  , 

The    foregoing    testimony    given    by    Bro. , 

was  read  to  the  witness,  and,  after  such  reading, 
was  signed  by  him  in  the  presence  of  the  Com- 
missioners. 

,  a  witness  who  is  not  a  Mason, 

appeared  before  the  Commission,  and  having  been 

put  under  oath  to  testify  truly  by ,  a  , 

an  officer  authorized  by  the  laws  of  this  State  to 
administer  oaths,  testified  as  follows: — 

(Here  insert  his  testimony.) 

The  deposition  of  ,  who  was  not  a  Mason, 

taken  by  order  of  the  Master  by  an  officer  author- 
ized by  the  laws  of  this  State  to  administer  oaths, 
was  here  introduced. 

(Here  insert  copy  of  such  deposition,  with  copies 
of  all  papers  appertaining  thereto.  ) 


244  FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS 

The  testimony  of  Bro.  ,  a  Mason  residing 

without  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Lodge,  and  taken 

by ,  Master  of Lodge,  No , 

F.  and  A.  M.,  by  authorization  of  the  Master  of  this 
Lodge,  was  here  introduced. 

(Here  insert  copy  of  authorization,  testimony  and 
certificate.) 

The  accused  offered  the  following  testimony: — 

(Here  insert  all  of  such  testimony  in  the  manner 
already  stated.) 

No  further  testimony  being  offered,  the  matter 
was  submitted  to  the  Commissioners  for  decision. 
The  Commissioners  thereupon  proceeded  to  delib- 
erate, with  none  present  save  themselves,  the  Mas- 
ter and  Secretary.  After  sufficient  consultation  and 
deliberation,  a  vote  for  "guilty"  or  "not  guilty'7 
was  taken  by  ballot  upon  the  first  specification, 
and  the  vote  thereon  was  "guilty,"  3;  "not 
guilty,"  4.  A  vote  for  "guilty"  or  "not  guilty" 
was  then  taken  by  ballot  on  the  second  specifica- 
tion, and  the  vote  thereon  was  "guilty,"  6;  "not 
guilty,"  1.  A  vote  for  " guilty'  or  "not  guilty" 
was  then  taken  by  ballot  upon  the  charge  of  un- 
masonic  conduct,  and  the  vote  thereon  was 
"guilty,"  6;   "not  guilty,"  1. 

The  Commissioners  then  proceeded  to  vote,  by 
ballot,  upon  the  sentence.  The  Master  submitted  to 
the  Commissioners  the  question — "Shall  the  accused 
be  expelled?"  The  ballot  on  such  question  resulted 
"aye,"  3;  "no,"  4.  The  Master  then  submitted  to 
the  Commissioners  the  question — "Shall  the  accused 
be  suspended?"  The  ballot  on  such  question  re- 
sulted "aye,"  P;   "no,"  1. 


FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS  245 

The   result  of  this  ballot  having  been   declared, 
the  Commission,  having  finished  its  work,  adjourned. 


Signatures  of  Com- 
missioners .  who .  acted. 


I,  ,  Secretary  of  Lodge, 

No ,  F.  and  A.  M.,  do  hereby  certify  that  I  acted 

as  Secretary  of   the  Trial-Commissioner  elected  by 
said  Lodge  to   try  a  charge   of  unmasonic  conduct 

preferred  by  against  , 

and  that  the  foregoing  is  a  full  and  correct  record 
of  the  proceedings  and  finding  of  said  Commission. 

Dated ,  19 

,  Secretary. 

[This  completes  the  copy  of  the  record  of  the 
Commission,  the  original  of  which  should  be  handed 
to  the  Master  of  the  Lodge,  who  makes  the  an- 
nouncement at  the  next  stated  meeting  of  the  Lodge 
— see  20th  section.  The  original  record  of  the  Com- 
mission, handed  to  the  Master  and  filed  in  the  Lodge, 
should  in  all  cases  contain  the  original  papers 
(charge,  summons,  depositions,  etc.),  and  not  copies. 
The  original  record  remains  with  the  Lodge.  The 
transcript  for  the  Grand  Lodge,  given  above,  is  a 
copy  of  this  original  record,  including  copies  of  all 
papers  therein.] 

(c.)  The  above  should  be  followed  in  the  tran- 
script sent  to  the  Grand  Lodge  by  a  copy  of  the 
minutes  of  the  Lodge  relating  to  the  announcement 


U4()  FORM    FOR    RECORDS    OF    TRIALS 

in  the  Lodge  by  the  Master,  for  which  see  20th  sec- 
tion. 

(d.)  The  transcript  sent  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
should  then  be  certified  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Lodge,  as  stated  in  the  21st  section.  The  following 
may  be  a  form  for  such  certificate: — 

Hall  of  ,  Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M. 

At ,  Cal.,  ,  18.... 

I,  ,  Secretary  of  the  above  named 

Lodge,  do  hereby  certify  that  in  the  case  of , 

charged  with  unmasonic  conduct,  the  foregoing  is  a 
full  and  correct  copy  of  the  minutes  and  proceed- 
ings of  the  Lodge  at  the  election  of  Commissioners, 
of  the  record  of  proceedings  before  the  Commis- 
sioners, and  of  the  minutes  of  the  Lodge  as  to  the 
announcement  of  the  result  in  the  Lodge. 

In   witness   whereof,   I   have   hereunto 

[Seal.]  set   my  hand   and   the   Seal   of   said 

Lodge. 

,  Secretary. 

This  must  be  followed  by  the  approval  of  the 
Master,  which  may  be  as  follows: — 

I,  ,  Master  of  said  Lodge,  do  hereby 

certify  that  I  have  carefully  examined  the  fore- 
going transcript  of  trial-record,  as  provided  in  the 
26th  General  Eegulation,  and  I  do  hereby  approve 
the   same. 

Dated  ,  19 


Master  of  Lodge, 

No ,  F.  and  A.  M. 


The  foregoing  forms  are  intended  simply  to  show 
in  a  general  way  what  is  requisite.  They  must,  of 
course,  be  changed  by  the  persons  preparing  records 
to  meet  the  facts  of  each  particular  case. 


A   FORM   FOK   LAYING  CORNER- 
STONES 


Compiled  by  J.  W.  Anderson,  Past  Grand 
Lecturer. 


On  the  day  appointed,  the  Grand  Lodge  assembles 
at  the  hall  of  the  Lodge  in  the  place,  and  is  opened 
in  proper  form. 

The  Grand  Master  then  says:  Brethren,  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  California  has  convened  for  the  pur- 
pose of  laying  the  corner-stone  of ,  in 

the  city  (or  town)  of  ,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  invitation  of  ,  pre- 
sented to  the  Grand  Master  on  the  day  of 

,  19 After  the  Grand  Lodge  is  called 

off,  the  Grand  Marshal  will  form  the  Grand  Lodge 
and  brethren  in  procession,  and  we  will  proceed  to 
the  place  for  the  purpose  of  performing  the  cere- 
mony provided  for  such  occasions. 

The  Grand  Lodge  is  then  called  from  labor  to 
refreshment  for  the  purpose  of  performing  the  cere- 
mony; and  the  Grand  Marshal  forms  the  procession 
in  the  following  order: — 

Escort  of  the  Day; 
Band  of  Music; 
Master  Masons; 


248  FORM    FOR   LAYING   CORNER-STONES 

THE  GRAND  LODGE  OF  CALIFORNIA, 

In  the  following  order: — 

The  Grand  Tyler; 

The  Grand  Stewards,  with  white  Rods; 

Junior   Wardens; 

Senior  Wardens; 

Past  Masters; 

Masters; 

A  Master;  _    T_he  ®™nd  A  Master; 

Standard  Bearer; 

Grand  Pursuivant  and  Grand  Organist; 

The  Choir; 

A  Brother  bearing  Golden  Vessel  of  Corn; 

Two  Brethren  bearing  Silver  Vessels  of  Wine  and 

Oil; 

Grand  Orator  and  Assistant  Grand  Secretary; 

A  Master  Mason;     -g^i     Bearer*    ^  Master  Mason; 

Grand  Lecturer  and  Grand  Chaplain; 
The  Principal  Architect  bearing  the  Working  Tools 

on  a  Cushion; 

Two   Brethren   bearing  the   Tuscan   and   Composite 

Orders; 

Three  Brethren  bearing  the  Doric,  Ionic  and 

Corinthian  Orders; 

Past  Junior  Grand  Wardens; 

Past  Senior  Grand  Wardens; 

Past  Deputy  Grand  Masters; 

Past  Grand  Masters; 

Two  Masters  of  Lodges,  bearing  two  large  Lights; 


FORM    FOR   LAYING   CORNER-STONES  249 

Grand   Treasurer  and  Grand  Secretary; 

The  Grand  Wardens; 

A  Master  of  a  Lodge,  bearing  a  large  Light; 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master; 

The  Master  of  the  Lodge  at  the  Place,  with  the 

Book  of  Constitutions; 

Jun.  Grand  Deacon;      Master-       Sen.  Grand  Deacon; 

Grand  Sword  Bearer  with  drawn  Sword; 
Two  Stewards  with  white  Eods. 

The  procession  then  moves  to  the  site  of  the  pro- 
posed building,  by  whatever  route  may  have  been 
designated.  On' arriving  at  the  place  the  lines  are 
opened  to  the  right  and  left,  under  the  direction  of 
the  Grand  Marshal;  and  the  Grand  Master,  pre- 
ceded by  two  Stewards  and  the  Grand  Sword  Bearer, 
and  followed  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  remain- 
der of  the  procession  in  inversed  order,  pass  through 
to  the  platform,  erected  near  the  north-east  corner 
of  the  building.  Upon  this  platform  there  should 
be  placed  chairs  for  the  Grand  Officers  and  the  in- 
vited guests,  and  a  table  for  the  Holy  Writings,  the 
Book  of  Constitutions,  the  Golden  Vessel,  the  Silver 
Vessels,  the  large  Lights,  the  five  Orders  of  Archi- 
tecture, and  the  Working  Tools.  The  brethren  and 
others  present  are  arranged  around  as  conveniently 
as  possible. 

All  being  arranged,  the  ceremony  is  conducted  a,s 
follows: — 

Music  by  the  Band; 

(A  solemn  Sacred  Piece.) 

Prayer  by  the  Grand  Chaplain; 


250  FORM    FOR    LAYING    CORNER-STONES 

Singing  of  the  following,  or  a  similar  Ode,  by  th<> 
Choir:— 

"Hail,  Masonry  divine! 
Glory  of  ages,  shine 

While  time  shall  last! 
Wher'er  thy  vot'ries  are, 
Let  Love  and  Peace  be  there; 
Let  thy  good  works  compare 
With  ages  past. 

Great  mission  thine  below — 
This  pilgrimage  of  woe 

Thine    'tis  to  cheer. . 
With  open  heart  and  hand, 
Thy  sons  in  every  land, 
At  Charity's  demand,  * 

Are  ever  near. 

As,  since  the  Day  of  Light, 
Blazing  with  lustre  bright, 
Thy  star  hath  shone; 
So  may  its  brightness  send 
Joy,  gladness,  without  end, 
Till  Eternity  attend, 
And  Time  be  gone. " 

The  Master  of  the  Lodge,  or  the  President  of  the 
Hall  Association,  or  some  one  on  behalf  of  those 
erecting  the  structure,  should  then,  in  a  brief  ad- 
dress, invite  the  Grand  Master  to  commence  the  cer- 
emonies. 

The  Grand  Master  should  then  briefly  address  the 
audience.  After  which  he  addresses  the  Senior 
Grand  Warden  as  follows: — 

"Brother  Senior  Grand  Warden:  It  has  been  the 
custom  among  the  Fraternity  of  Free  and  Accepted 


FORM    FOR    LAYING   CORNER-STONES  251 

Masons,  from  time  immemorial,  to  assemble  for  the 
purpose  of  laying  the  foundation  stones  of  public 
buildings,  when  requested  so  to  do  by  those  having 
authority.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia having  been  invited  by  the of 

the  city  (or  town)  of  to  lay  the 

corner-stone  of  this  Temple,  to  be  dedicated  to 
Masonry,  Virtue,  and  Universal  Benevolence,*  it 
has,  by  my  order,  here  been  convened,  and  it  is  my 
will  and  pleasure  that  it  do  now  assist  me  in  the 
performance  of  that  pleasing  duty.  This  you  will 
communicate  to  the  R.\  W.*.  Junior  Grand  War- 
den, and  he  to  the  Craft,  that  they,  and  all  others 
present,  may  be  duly  notified  thereof.' ' 

The  Senior  Grand  Warden  communicates  the 
order,  as  follows: — 

"Brother  Junior  Grand  Warden:  It  is  the  will 
and  pleasure  of  our  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master 
that  the  Grand  Lodge  of  California  do  now  assist  in 
laying  the  foundation  stone  of  this  Masonic  Tem- 
ple.* This  you  will  communicate  to  the  brethren, 
that  they,  and  all  others  here  assembled,  may  have 
due  and  timely  notice  of  this  order. " 

The  Junior  Grand  Warden  repeats  the  order  to  the 
assembly,  as  follows: — 

"Brethren:  It  is  the  will  and  pleasure  of  the  Most 

Worshipful ,  Grand  Master  of 

Masons  in  the  State  of  California,  that  the  Grand 
Lodge  do  now  proceed  with  the  ceremony  of  laying 
the  corner-stone  of  this  Masonic  Temple.*  Of  this 
you  will  take  due  notice,  and  govern  yourselves 
accordingly. ' ' 

An  enlivening  piece  of  music  by  the  band  should 
follow. 


*Modify  this  language  to  suit  the  occasion. 


252  FORM    FOR   LAYING   CORNER-STONES 

After  which  the  Grand  Master,  addressing  the 
Grand  Treasurer,  says: — 

" Brother  Grand  Treasurer:  It  has  ever  been  the 
custom  of  the  Craft  upon  occasions  like  the  present, 
to  deposit  within  a  cavity  in  the  stone  placed  at  the 
north-east  corner  of  the  edifice,  certain  memorials 
of  the  period  at  which  it  was  erected;  so  that,  if,  in 
the  lapse  of  ages,  the  fury  of  the  elements,  the 
violence  of  man,  or  the  slow  but  certain  ravages  of 
time,  should  lay  bare  its  foundations,  an  enduring 
record  may  be  found  by  succeeding  generations,  to 
bear  testimony  to  the  untiring,  unending  industry 
of  the  Free  and  Accepted  Masons.  Has  such  a  de- 
posit now  been  prepared  V 

The  Grand  Treasurer  responds: — 

"It  has,  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master,  and  the 
various  articles  of  which  it  is  composed  are  safely 
enclosed  within  the  casket  now  before  you." 

The  Grand  Master  then  says  to  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary:— 

"Brother  Grand  Secretary:  You  will  read  the 
record  of  the  contents  of  the  casket. ' ' 

Whereupon  the  Grand  Secretary  reads  the  con- 
tents of  the  box  which  is  to  be  deposited  beneath 
the  corner-stone. 

After  the  reading  the  Grand  Master  says: — 

"Brother  Grand  Treasurer:  You  will  now  de- 
posit the  casket  in  the  cavity  beneath  the  corner- 
stone; and  may  the  Great  Architect  of  the  Uni- 
verse, in  His  wisdom,  grant  that  ages  upon  ages 
shall  pass  away  ere  it  again  be  seen  of  men." 

The  Grand  Treasurer,  assisted  by  one  or  more 
brethren,  then  takes  the  casket  and  places  it  in  the 
cavity  in  the  lower  stone.   The  stone  is  then  lowered, 


FORM    FOR    LAYING    CORNER-STONES  253 

during  which  time  the  choir  should  sing  the  follow- 
ing or  some  other  suitable  ode: — 

"Place  we  now  the  corner-stone — 
True  and  trusty,  brothers  own — 
Let  us  bring  our  hearts  sincere, 
Hands  to  help  and  voice  to  cheer. 
Prov'd  by  the  Grand  Master's  hand, 
Long  may  this  foundation  stand! 
May  its  superstructure  rise 
In  grace  and  beauty   'neath  the  skies! 
Let  us  join  in  songs  of  praise, 
That  a  Temple  here  we  raise; 
Hoping,  ages  hence,   'twill  prove 
A  home  for  Charity  and  Love! " 

The  Principal  Architect  then  distributes  the 
Working  Tools  among  the  Grand  Officers — giving 
the  Trowel  to  the  Grand  Master,  the  Square  to  the 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  the  Level  to  the  Senior  Grand 
Warden,  and  the  Plumb  to  the  Junior  Grand  War- 
den. 

These  officers  then  descend  to  the  stone  and  place 
themselves  around  it  in  the  following  order:  The 
Grand  Master  at  the  East,  the  Deputy  Grand  Master 
at  the  North,  the  Senior  Grand  Warden  at  the  West, 
and  the  Junior  Grand  Warden  at  the  South. 

The  Grand  Master,  assisted  by  one  or  more  of  the 
workmen,  ready  for  the  purpose,  spread  the  cement 
upon  the  lower  stone,  and  then  he  directs  the  stone 
to  be  lowered  to  its  place.  The  stone  should  be  sus- 
pended from  a  derrick,  and  should  be  lowered  at 
three  separate  intervals.  At  each  stoppage  of  the 
stone,  the  brethren  should  give  the  Grand  Honors. 
When  the  stone  is  properly  adjusted  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter should  point  the  cement  about  its  edges.     He 


254  FORM    FOR   LAYING   CORNER-STONES 

then  addresses  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  as  fol- 
lows:— 

"Brother  Deputy  Grand  Master,  what  is  the  jewel 
of  your  office  V 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  responds: — 

"The  Square,  Most  Worshipful. ' ' 

The  Grand  Master  says: — 

Then  you  will  apply  the  Square  to  those  portions 
of  the  stone  which  should  be  squared. " 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  then  applies  the  Square 
to  the  various  corners  of  the  stone,  and  says: — 

"I  have  obeyed  your  order,  Most  Worshipful 
Grand  Master,  and  find  that  in  that  respect  the 
craftsmen  have  done  their  duty. "" 

The  Grand  Master  then  says: — 

"Brother  Senior  Grand*  Warden,  what  is  the  jewel 
of  your  office  V 

The  Senior  Grand  Warden  responds: — 

"The  Level,  Most  Worshipful." 

The  Grand  Master  says: — 

"You  will  then  apply  the  Level  to  the  stone,  and 
see  if  it  be  laid  in  a  manner  creditable  to  our  An- 
cient Craft. " 

The  Senior  Grand  Warden  then  applies  the  Level 
to  the  surface  of  the  stone  and  responds: — 

"I  have  obeyed  your  order,  Most  Worshipful 
Grand  Master,  and  find  that  the  stone  has  been  well 
leveled  by  the  craftsmen. " 

The  Grand  Master  says: — 

1  '  Brother  Junior  Grand  Warden,  what  is  the  jewel 
of  your  office  V 

The  Junior  Grand  Warden  responds: — 
"The  Plumb,  Most  Worshipful.*' 


FORM    FOR   LAYING   CORNER-STONES  255 

The  Grand  Master  says: —     ' 

"You  will  apply  the  Plumb  to  the  stone,  then, 
and  see  if  it  has  been  properly  adjusted. M 

The  Junior  Grand  Warden  tries  the  several  sides 
of  the  stone  with  the  Plumb  and  responds: — 

"I  have  obeyed  your  order,  Most  Worshipful 
Grand  Master,  and  find  that  the  work  of  the  crafts- 
men in  that  respect  has  been  skillfully  performed. " 

The  Grand  Master  then  approaching  the  stone 
gives  it  three  blows  with  his  Gavel,  and  says: — 

"The  craftsmen  having  faithfully  and  skillfully 
performed  their  duty,  I  declare  this  foundation  stone 
to  be  well  formed,  true  and  trusty.  May  the  edifice 
which  is  to  rest  upon  it  ever  be  devoted  to  the  uses 
of  those  whose  mission  it  is  to  extend  the  spread  of 
useful  knowledge,  to  practice  unceasing  and  unosten- 
tatious charity,  and  to  inculcate  fraternity  and  good 
will  among  men;  and  may  it  be  completed  by  the 
craftsmen  in  peace,  love,  and  harmony — they  suffer- 
ing no  contention  among  themselves  except  that 
noble  and  fraternal  one,  as  to  who  best  can  work 
and  best  agree." 

The  Grand  Master  then  directs  the  vessels  of 
Corn,  Wine,  and  Oil  to  be  distributed,  respectively, 
to  the  Deputy  Grand  Master,  and  the  Senior  and 
Junior  Grand  Wardens.  While  this  is  being  done 
the  band  should  play  a  joyous  air. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  then  pours  the  corn 
upon  the  stone,  at  the  same  time  saying — 

"May  the  Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe 
strengthen  and  sustain  the  craftsmen  while  engaged 
in  this  important  work;  and  may  He  ever,  bounti- 
fully vouchsafe  the  Corn  of  Nourishment  to  all 
employed  in  honest  and  useful  toil. tf 


256 


FORM    FOR   LAYING   CORNER-STONES 


The  Senior  Grand  Warden  then  pours  the  wine 
upon  the  stone,  at  the  same  time  saying: — 

"May  the  Great  Giver  of  all  good  enable  the 
craftsmen  in  due  time  to  complete  this  beautiful 
Temple;  and,  during  their  intervals  from  labor,  may 
they  constantly  be  blessed  with  that  refreshment  of 
which  this  Wine  is  emblematical. ? ' 

The  Junior  Grand  Warden  then  pours  the  oil  upon 
the  stone,  at  the  same  time  saying: — 

"May  the  blessing  of  Heaven  descend  upon  this 
and  all  good  works;  and  may  our  loved  Fraternity 
long  exist  to  pour  forth  the  Oil  of  Joy  upon  the 
hearts  of  the  widowed,  the  fatherless,  and  the  dis- 
tressed. ' ' 

The  Grand  Master  then  says: — 

"May  the  All-Bounteous  Author  of  Creation  lend 
aid  to  those  who  have  conceived  and  thus  far 
carried  on  this  goodly  enterprise;  may  He  protect 
the  workmen  employed  upon  this  building  from 
every  accident,  and  long  preserve  it  for  the  bene- 
ficient  uses  which  it  is  destined  to  subserve;  and 
may  He  grant  to  us  all  an  ever  bountiful  supply  of 
the  Corn  of  Nourishment,  the  Wine  of  Eefreshment, 
and  the  Oil  of  Joy." 

The  Grand  Master  then  directs  that  the  several 
Working  Tools  be  given  into  the  hands  of  the  Chief 
Architect  of  the  building,  and  says: — 

"Brother  Principal  Architect:  Eelying  upon  your 
skill  in  our  noble  art,  I  now  confide  to  you  these 
implements  of  Operative  Masonry.  May  this  under- 
taking be  speedily  accomplished;  may  there  be  no 
envy,  discord  or  confusion  among  the  workmen; 
and  may  you  perform  the  important  duties  with 
which  you  have  been  charged,  not  only  to  the  satis- 


FORM    FOR   LAYING   CORNER-STONES  257 

faction  of  those  who  have  entrusted  you  with  their 
fulfillment,  but  in  such  manner  as  shall  secure  the 
approbation  of  your  own  conscience,  and  redound  to 
the  honor  of  our  Ancient  Craft. " 

The  Grand  Master  and  his  officers  then  return  to 
the  platform  and  resume  their  seats.  In  the  mean- 
time the  choir  should  sing  the  following  or  some 
other  suitable  ode: — 

"Corn,  Wine,  and  Oil  we've  poured  upon 
Our  brethren's  hope — the  Corner-Stone — 

The  work  is  well  begun; 
May  Wisdom,  Strength,  and  Beauty  now 
Each  with  its  atributes  endow 

That  which  is  to  be  done. 

"And,  when  our  Temple  is  complete, 
Once  more  may  all  the  Brethren  meet 

Its  Halls  to  dedicate 
To  Friendship,  Virtue,  Truth  and  Love, 
To  Charity,  and  all  above, 

To  God,  the  Good,  the  Great.' ' 

The  Grand  Orator  is  then  introduced  by  the  Grand 
Master. 

After  the  oration  is  concluded,  "Old  Hundred" 
is  very  appropriate,  and  should  be  joined  in  by  the 
whole  assembly;  after  which  the  ceremonies  are 
terminated  with  a  benediction  by  the  Grand  Chap- 
lain. 

The  procession  then  re-forms  and  returns  to  the 
hall.  The  Grand  Lodge  is  called  on,  and  closed  in 
suitable  form. 


CEKEMONY  FOK  CONSTITUTING 
MASONIC   LODGES 


Prepared  by  J.  W.  Anderson,  Past  Grand  Lecturer. 


At  the  time  appointed  the  Grand  Master  and  his 
officers  meet  in  a  convenient  room,  near  to  that  in 
which  the  Lodge  to  be  constituted  is  assembled,  and 
open  the  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Grand  Master  then  announces  the  object  of 
the  Communication,  the  Grand  Lodge  is  called  off, 
the  Grand  Marshal  forms  a  procession,  and  the 
Grand  Lodge  proceeds  to  the  hall  of  the  Lodge  about 
to  be  constituted.  An  emblem  representing  the 
Lodge  is  carried  in  the  procession  by  four  Past 
Masters,  or  by  four  brethren. 

On  arriving  at  the  hall  the  procession  opens  ranks, 
and  the  Grand  Master  and  other  officers  and  brethren 
in  succession  pass  through  and  enter.  The  Grand 
Master  and  the  other  Grand  Officers  take  their  re- 
spective stations  and  places,  and  the  emblem  is 
placed  in  the  Lodge-room  between  the  Altar  and  the 
East,  the  three  lights  being  arranged  around  it. 
When  the  brethren  are  seated,  the  following  hymn 
is  sung: — 

Tune— "Boylston." 
"  Great  Source  of  light  and  love, 

To  thee  our  songs  we  raise! 

Oh!  in  thy  temple,  Lord,  above, 

Hear  and  accept  our  praise. 


CONSTITUTING   MASONIC   LODGES  259 

Shine  on  this  festive  day, 
Succeed  its  hoped  design, 
And  may  our  Charity  display 
A  love  resembling  thine. 

May  this  Fraternal  Band, 
Now  consecrated — blest 
In  union  all  distinguished  stand, 
In  purity  be  dressed. ; ' 

The  Master  of  the  new  Lodge  then  approaches  the 
East,  and  addresses  the  Grand  Master  as  follows: — 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master: — Upon  the  re- 
quest of  a  number  of  brethren,  the  Most  Worshipful 
Grand  Master  of  Masons  of  the  State  of  California 
was  pleased  to  grant  them  a  letter  of  dispensation, 

bearing  date  the  day  of  ,  in  the  year  , 

authorizing  them  to  form  and  open  a  Lodge  of  Free 

and  Accepted  Masons,  in  the  town  of  Since 

that  time  they  have  regularly  assembled,  and  have 
conducted  the  business  of  Masonry  according  to  the 
best  of  their  abilities.  Their  proceedings  have  been 
examined  by  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge,  and, 
being  approved,  a  Charter  of  Constitution  has  been 
granted  to  them.  The  brethren  are  now  desirous 
that  their  Lodge  should  be  consecrated,  and  their 
officers  duly  installed,  in  accordance  with  the  ancient 
usages  and  customs  of  the  Craft.     In  behalf  of  my 

brethren  of  Lodge,  I  now  respectfully  request 

that  you  assume  the  discharge  of  this  important 
ceremony. 

The  Grand  Master  replies: — 

Worshipful  Master  and  Brethren: — 1  accept  with 
pleasure  the  important  and  interesting  duty  which 
you  request  me  to  discharge.    In  doing  so,  permit  me 


260  CONSTITUTING  MASONIC  LODGES 

to  express  to  you  and  the  brethren  of  Lodge, 

No ,  our  hearty  congratulations  upon  this  happy 

occasion.  The  establishment  of  a  Lodge  of  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons  in  any  community  is  an  event  of 
no  unimportant  significance.  It  indicates  a  desire 
upon  the  part  of  its  membership  to  cultivate  and 
practice  the  noble  attributes  of  brotherly  love,  relief 
and  truth.  It  means  the  inculcation  of  all  those 
sentiments  which  constitute  a  higher  morality  and 
a  nobler  manhood.  It  contemplates  the  encourage- 
ment of  all  the  virtues  which  elevate  and  ennoble 
man,  making  better  fathers,  better  husbands,  better 
sons  and  brothers,  better  citizens,  a  better  and  more 
prosperous  community.  Eealizing,  then,  and  trust- 
that  you  all  comprehend  and  appreciate  the  great 
import  of  this  occasion,  we  shall  cheerfully  comply 
with  the  desire  of  yourself  and  your  brethren. 

In  accordance  with  the  teachings  of  our  Institu- 
tion, it  is  our  duty,  before  entering  upon  any  great 
and  important  undertaking,  to  invoke  the  aid  and 
blessing  of  God.  We  will,  therefore,  reverently 
unite  with  our  Grand  Chaplain  in  an  address  to  the 
Throne  of  Grace. 

Prayer. 

Supreme  Grand  Master!  Great  Architect  and 
Euler  of  the  Universe!  We  would  reverently  invoke 
thy  blessing  at  this  time.  Grant  us  thy  aid  in  our 
present  undertaking,  that  all  we  may  do  shall  be 
done  with  an  eye  single  to  thy  service,  and  to  the 
good  of  our  Fraternity.  Bless  the  brethren  of  the 
Lodge  now  about  to  be  constituted;  impress  them 
with  a  proper  comprehension  of  their  duty  to  thee, 
and  to  one  another.  May  this  Lodge  become  a  means 
of  lasting  good  in  this  community;  may  its  members 


CONSTITUTING    MASONIC    LODGES  261 

be  continually  guided  by  the  unerring  counsels  which 
thou  hast  given  them  in  the  great  books  of  nature 
and  revelation.  Make  them  faithful  to  the  obliga- 
tions which  they  have  assumed.  Bless  and  prosper 
them  in  all  their  interests.  Bless  and  prosper  our 
beloved  Order.  Lengthen  its  cords  and  strengthen 
its  stakes  for  greater  usefulness  to  ourselves  and  to 
our  fellow-men;  and  to  thy  great  name  we  will 
ascribe  all  honor  and  glory.     Amen. 

The  choir  then  sing  the  following: — 

Tune — " America/ '  or  "Italian  Hymn." 

"  Oh  God!  our  Order  bless 
With  peace  and  happiness, 

And  Unity; 
O  thou!  our  Craft  defend, 
And  may  thy  love  extend 
To  all,  as  guide  and  friend: 

So  mote  it  be. 

(i  May  wisdom  from  on  high 
Bring  to   our  mystic   tie 

Prosperity. 
May  our  united  baud 
Greet  all  throughout  the  land, 
With  joyful  heart  and  hand: 

So  mote  it  be. 

"  May  grace  from  heaven  above 
Fill  all  our  hearts  with  love, 

Upraised  to  thee; 
With  harmony  combine, 
To  help  thy  glory  shine, 
And  let  the  praise  be  Thine: 

So  mote  it  be. 


262  CONSTITUTING   MASONIC   LODGES 

The  Grand  Master  then  says: — 

Brethren  of  Lodge,  No ,  your  proceed- 
ings having  been  approved,  and  a  charter  having 
been  granted  to  you  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  we  will 
now  proceed,  according  to  ancient  usage,  to  consti- 
tute you  into  a  regular  Lodge.  Bro.  Grand  Secre- 
tary, you  will  read  the  warrant  establishing  and 
confirming  the  brethren  of  this  new  Lodge  in  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  a  regular  Lodge. 

The  Grand  Secretary  reads  the  charter. 

The  Grand  Master  then  says: — 

The  officers  of  the  new  Lodge  will  now  deliver 
their  jewels  to  their  Master,  and  he  to  the  Deputy 
Grand  Master. 

Bro.  Deputy  Grand  Master,  you  will  now  present 
the  Master-elect  of  the  new  Lodge. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  says: — 

Most  Worshipful,  I  present  to  you  W.'.Bro , 

whom  the  brethren  of  the  Lodge  now  about  to  be 
constituted  have  chosen  as  their  Master. 

The  Grand  Master  says: — 

Brethren,  do  you  remain  satisfied  with  your  choice? 

The  brethren  respond: — 

We  do. 

The  Grand  Master  then  says: — 

Bro.  Deputy  Grand  Master,  you  will  severally 
present  the  Wardens  and  other  officers  of  the  new 
Lodge. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  says — 

Most  WorsTiipful,  I  present  to  you  Bro ,  who 

has  been  chosen  Senior  Warden  of  the  Lodge  about 

to  be  constituted;  Bro ,  who  has  been  chosen 

Junior  Warden;   Bro ,  who  has  been  chosen 


CONSTITUTING    MASONIC    LODGES  263 

Treasurer;  Bro.  ,  who  lias  been  chosen  Secre- 
tary; Bro ,  who  has  been  appointed  Chaplain; 

Bro.s and   ,   who   have   been   appointed 

respectively  Senior  and  Junior  Deacons;  Bro , 

who  has  been  appointed  Marshal;  Bros and 

,  who  have  been  appointed  respectively  Senior 

and  Junior  Stewards;  and  Bro ,  who  has  been 

appointed  Tyler. 

The  Grand  Master  requests  the  officers  to  face 
their  brethren,  and  then  says: 

Brethren  of Lodge,  you  behold  before  you 

the  brethren  who  have  been  elected  and  appointed 
to  serve  the  Lodge  about  to  be  constituted  as  its 
officers  until  the  next  regular  election.  Do  you  re- 
main satisfied  with  each  and  all  of  them? 

The  brethren  respond: — 

We  do. 

The  Grand  Master  says: — 

Then,  Bro.  Grand  Marshal,  you  will  form  the 
brethren  of  the  Lodge  and  the  Grand  Officers  around 
the  emblem  of  the  Lodge  in  proper  order. 

The  Grand  Marshal  says: — 

The  Grand  Officers  will  form  a  square  around  the 
emblem.  The  brethren  of  the  Lodge  will  form  a 
square  outside  of  that  formed  by  the  Grand  Officers. 

When  the  brethren  are  arranged,  the  choir  sing 
the  following  stanzas,  during  which  time  the  Grand 
Marshal  uncovers  the  emblem: — 

Tune — l '  America. ' ' 

11  Hail,  universal  Lord, 

By  Heaven  and  Earth  adored, 
All  hail,  great  God! 


2$4  CONSTITUTING    MASONIC    LODGES 

Before  thy  throne  we  bend, 
To  us  thy  grace  extend, 
And  to  our  prayers  attend; 
All  hail,  great  God! 

11  To  thee  our  hearts  do  draw, 
On  them,  O  write  thy  law, 

Our  Saviour  God! 
When  in  this  Lodge  we're  met, 
And  at  thine  altar  set, 
O  do  not  us  forget, 

Our  Saviour  God!" 

The  Grand  Master  directs  the  brethren  to  kneel, 
and  the  Grand  Chaplain,  approaching  the  altar,  de- 
livers the  following — 

Prayer. 

Great  Architect  of  the  Universe!  Maker  and 
Ruler  of  all  worlds!  Deign  from  thy  celestial  temple, 
from  realms  of  light  and  glory,  to  bless  us  in  all 
the  purposes  of  our  present  assembly!  We  humbly 
invoke  Thee  to  give  us  at  this  and  at  all  times, 
Wisdom  in  all  our  doings,  Strength  of  mind 
in  all  our  difficulties,  and  the  Beauty  of  harmony  in 
all  our  communications.  Permit  us,  O  thou  Author 
of  Light  and  Life!  great  Source  of  Love  and  Happi- 
ness! to  erect  this  Lodge,  and  now  solemnly  to 
Consecrate  it  to  thy  honor  and  glory!     Amen. 

The  Grand  Master  then  sprinkles  the  Corn  upon 
the  emblem,  and  says: — 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high! 

The  Brethren  respond,  giving  the  grand  honors: — 

"As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever 
shall  be!     Amen." 


CONSTITUTING    MASONIC    LODGES  265 

The  Grand  Master  then  pours  the  Wine  upon  the 
emblem,  saying: — 

Glory  to  God  on  high! 

The  brethren,  giving  the  grand  honors,  respond  as 
before. 

The  Grand  Master  then  pours  the  Oil  upon  the 
emblem,  saying: 

Glory  to  God  on  high! 

The  brethren  respond  as  before,  giving  the  grand 
honors. 

Again  all  kneel,  and  the  Grand  Chaplain  con- 
tinues:— 

"  Grant,  O  Lord,  our  God,  that  those  who  are  now 
about  to  be  invested  with  the  government  of  this 
Lodge  may  be  endued  with  wisdom  to  instruct  their 
brethren  in  all  their  duties.  May  brotherly  love, 
relief  and  truth  always  prevail  among  the  members 
of  this  Lodge;  may  this  bond  of  union  continue  to 
strengthen  the  Lodges  throughout  the  world.  Bless  all 
our  brethren  wherever  dispersed;  and  grant  speedy 
relief  to  all  who  are  either  oppressed  or  distressed. 
We  affectionately  commend  to  thee  all  the  members 
of  this  Lodge  and  of  this  great  Fraternity.  May 
they  increase  in  grace,  in  the  knowledge  of  thee, 
and  in  love  for  one  another.  Finally,  may  we  finish 
all  our  work  here  below  with  thy  approbation,  and 
then  have  a  blessed  transition  from  this  earthly 
abode  to  thy  heavenly  temple  above,  there  to  enjoy 
light  and  life  eternal.    Amen." 

The  Grand  Master,  stretching  forth  his  hands 
over  the  emblem,  says: — 

To  the  memory  of  the  Holy  Saints  John,  we  dedi- 
cate this  Lodge.     May  ev^ry  brother  revere  their 


266  CONSTITUTING   MASONIC   LODGES 

character  and  imitate  their  virtues.  Glory  be  to 
God  on  high! 

The  brethren  respond  with  the  grand  honors  as 
before. 

The  Grand  Officers  then  return  to  their  stations, 
and  the  brethren  of  the  Lodge  form  in  procession,  in 
single  file,  under  the  direction  of  the  Grand  Marshal. 
They  salute  the  Grand  Master  as  they  pass,  bowing 
and  having  their  hands  crossed  upon  their  breasts,* 
the  left  hand  outward.  They  then  take  their  places 
as  they  were  before  the  march  was  formed. 

The  Grand  Master  then  says: — 

In  the  name  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  State  of  California,  I  now  constitute  and  form 
you,  my  beloved  brethren,  into  a  regular  Lodge  of 
Free  and  Accepted  Masons.  Henceforth  I  empower 
you  to  meet  as  a  regular  Lodge,  constituted  in  con- 
formity with  the  rites  of  our  Order  and  the  charges 
of  our  Ancient  and  Honorable  Fraternity;  and  may 
the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  Universe  prosper, 
direct,  and  counsel  you  in  all  your  doings. 

The  brethren  respond: — 

So  mote  it  be.    Amen. 

The  grand  honors  are  then  given,  and  the  choir 
sing  the  following: — 

Tune— "Old  Hundred." 

11  Be  thou,  O  God,  exalted  high; 
And  as  thy  glory  fills  the  sky, 
So  let  it  be  on  earth  displayed, 

Till  thou  art  here  as  there  obeyed." 


*  If    the    ceremony    is    not    public,    the    private    Grand 
Honors  should  be  given. 


CONSTITUTING    MASONIC   LODGES  267 

The  Grand  Master  then  says: — 

The  officers  of  the  new  Lodge  will  now  retire  and 
prepare  for  the  ceremony  of  installation. 

This  ceremony  is  the  same  as  that  usually  em- 
ployed at  the  installation  of  officers  in  a  Masonic 
Lodge. 


CEREMONY  FOK  THE   DEDICATION 
OF  MASONIC   HALLS 


Prepared  by  J.  W.  Anderson,  Past  Grand  Lecturer. 


The  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge  assemble  in  a 
convenient  room  near  the  place  where  the  ceremony- 
is  to  be  performed,  and  the  Grand  Lodge  is  opened 
in  proper  form. 

The  Grand  Master  then  announces  the  object  of 
the  Communication,  and  directs  the  Grand  Marshal 
to  form  a  procession.  This  is  done  in  the  usual  man- 
ner, except  that  an  emblem  representing  a  Lodge  is 
carried  in  the  procession  by  four  Past  Masters.  A 
proper  place  for  this  would  be  immediately  before 
the  Grand  Officers. 

The  brethren  then  proceed  to  the  Hall  about  to  be 
dedicated;  and  upon  the  arrival  of  the  front  of  the 
procession  at  the  door,  they  halt,  open  to  the  right 
and  left,  and  face  inward,  whilst  the  Grand  Master, 
and  others  in  succession,  pass  through  and  enter. 

After  entering,  the  procession  marches  three  times 
around  the  hall,  and  until  the  Grand  Master  comes 
to  the  East,  when  it  halts,  and  the  Grand  Master 
takes  the  chair.  The  emblem  of  a  Lodge  is  placed 
in  the  center,  and  the  brethren  are  seated  by  the 
Grand  Master — the  Grand  Officers  taking  the  places 
of  the  corresponding  officers  of  the  Lodge. 


DEDICATION    OF    MASONIC    HALLS  269 

During  the  march,  as  above,  the  following  anthem 
is  sung: — 

Tune — ' '  America. ' ' 

(1)  li  Thou  who  are  God  alone, 

Accept  before  thy  throne 
Our  fervent  prayer! 
To  fill  with  light  and  grace, 
This  house,  thy  dwelling  place, 
And  bless  thy  chosen  race — 
O  Lord  draw  near. ' J 

(2)  "  As  through  the  universe 

All  nature's  works  diverse 
Thy  praise  accord; 
Let  Faith  upon  us  shi*ne, 
And  Charity  combine 
With  Hope,  to  make  us  thine, 
Jehovah,  Lord!  \} 

(3)  "  Spirit  of  Truth  and  Love, 

Descending  from  above, 

Our  hearts  inflame; 

Till  Masonry's  control 

Shall  build  in  one  the  whole — 

A  temple  of  the  soul, 

To  thy  great  name." 

The  three  lights  are  placed  in  a  triangular  form 
around  the  emblem,  and  the  vessels  of  Corn,  Wine, 
and  Oil  are  placed  on  the  emblem.  At  the  foot  of 
the  emblem  stands  the  altar,  and  upon  it  are  placed 
the  Bible  and  the  Square  and  Compass. 

The  Grand  Master  then  briefly  announces  the 
occasion  of  the  assemblage,  and  the  general  purpose 
of  the  Masonic  dedication  of  Halls. 


-70  DEDICATION    OF    MASONIC    HALLS 

After  which  the  Master  of  the  Lodge  approaching 
the  East,  addresses  the  Grand  Master  as  follows: — 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master: — The  brethren  of 

Lodge,  No ,  being  animated  with  a  desire 

to  promote  the  honor  and  the  interest  of  the  Craft, 
have  erected  and  furnished  this  hall  for  their  con- 
venience and  accommodation.  They  are  desirous 
that  the  same  should  be  examined  by  the  M.'.W.*. 
Grand  Master;  and,  if  it  should  meet  with  his  ap- 
probation, that  it  should  be  solemnly  dedicated  to 
Masonic  purposes,  agreeably  to  ancient  form  and 
usage. 

The  Grand  Master  replies: — 

Worshipful  Master  and  Brethren: — I  accept  with 
pleasure  the  important  and  interesting  duty  which 
you  request  of  me.    In  doing  so  permit  me  to  express 

to  the  brethren  of Lodge,  No ,  our  hearty 

appreciation  of  the  enterprising  spirit  which  has 
actuated  them  in  the  erection  of  this  structure,  an 
edifice  which  is  a  credit  to  the  Fraternity  as  well  as 
an  ornament  to  this  city.  In  accordance  with  the 
teachings  of  our  Institution,  it  is  our  duty,  before 
entering  upon  any  undertaking,  to  invoke  the  bless- 
ing of  God.  We  will,  therefore,  unite  with  our 
Grand  Chaplain  in  address  to  the  Throne  of  Grace. 

The  Grand  Master  calls  up  the  brethren  and  the 
Grand  Chaplain  offers  the  following,  or  any  other 
suitable  prayer: — 

O  Lord  God!  Source  of  light  and  love!  Supreme 
Grand  Master,  and  Great  Architect  of  the  Universe! 
who  from  thy  throne  in  the  Highest  Heaven,  in 
mercy  lookest  down  upon  all  the  dwellers  on  earth, 
lend,  we  beseech  thee,  thine  ears  to  the  prayers  and 
petitions  of  thy  children  now  assembled  in  thy  pres- 


DEDICATION   OF   MASONIC    HALLS  271 

ence;  enable  us  to  properly  comprehend  and  practice 
the  precepts  of  this  sublime  edifice  erected  to  thy 
holy  and  glorious  name.  Pour  upon  us,  and  upon  all 
the  members  of  our  Mystic  Craft  whithersoever  dis- 
persed throughout  the  world,  the  rich  blessings  of 
thy  providence.  Give  us  strength  to  overcome 
temptations,  to  subdue  our  passions,  and  to  practice 
virtue.  Fill  our  hearts  with  reverence  for  thy  great 
and  terrible  name;  with  an  affection  for  thy  divine 
goodness;  with  piety  toward  thee;  and  with  love  for 
our  fellow  man.  Make  us  faithful  to  our  friends  and 
charitable  to  our  enemies.  Dispose  our  hearts,  O 
thou — Great  Jehovah,  to  receive  light  and  truth 
from  the  great  source  of  light,  that  our  steps  may 
be  directed  in  the  paths  of  virtue.  And  whilst  we 
dedicate  this  temple  to  thee,  enable  us  to  prove  to 
mankind  by  our  actions  that  our  lives  are  sincerely 
dedicated  to  our  God,  and  to  the  relief  and  well- 
being  of  our  fellow  creatures.  And,  finally,  when 
our  pilgrimage  in  life  is  ended,  may  we  be  admitted 
into  that  sublime  and  eternal  Lodge  where  thou 
dost  forever  preside.     Amen. 

Response — So  mote  it  be. 

The  Grand  Master  then  seats  the  brethren,  and  the 
Chief  Architect,  who  superintended  the  erection  of 
the  Hall,  advances  to  the  front  in  the  East,  and 
addresses  the  Grand  Master,  as  follows: — 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master: — Having  been  en- 
trusted with  the  duty  of  supervising  and  directing 
the  workmen  employed  in  the  construction  of  this 
edifice,  and  having  to  the  best  of  my  ability  accom- 
plished the  task  assigned  me,  I  now  return  my 
thanks  for  the  appointment,  and  beg  to  return  to 
you  the  implements  committed  to  my  care  when  the 


272  DEDICATION   OF   MASONIC   HALLS 

cornerstone  of  this  structure  was  laid  [presents  the 
square,  level  and  plumb],  humbly  hoping  that  the 
result  of  our  labors  will  be  crowned  with  your  ap- 
probation, and  that  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand 
Lodge. 

The  Grand  Master  replies: — 

Brother  Chief  Architect: — The  skill  and  ability 
displayed  in  the  execution  of  the  trust  reposed  in 
you  at  the  commencement  of  this  undertaking,  have 
received  the  entire  approbation  of  the  Grand  Lodge; 
and  they  sincerely  pray  that  this  edifice  may  con- 
tinue a  lasting  monument  of  the  taste,  spirit  and 
liberality  of  its  founders. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  then  says: — 
Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master: — The  hall  in 
which  we  are  now  assembled,  and  the  plan  upon 
which  it  is  constructed  having  met  with  your  ap- 
proval, it  is  the  desire  of  the  brethren  that  it  should 
now  be  dedicated  according  to  ancient  form  and 
usage. 

The  Grand  Master  replies: — 

Eight  Worshipful  Deputy  Grand  Master: — Agree- 
ably to  the  request  of  the  brethren,  we  will  now 
proceed  with  the  ceremonies.  Brother  Grand  Mar- 
shal, you  will  form  the  Grand  Officers  in  procession. 

The  Grand  Marshal  then  forms  the  procession  in 
the  following  order,  in  single  file,  commencing  on 
the  north  side  of  the  Lodge,  facing  East: 

Grand  Tyler. 

Grand  Sword  Bearer. 

Grand  Standard  Bearer. 

Grand  Pursuivant. 

A  Past  Master,  with  a  Light. 


DEDICATION   OF   MASONIC   HALLS  273 

Grand  Steward,  with  Eod. 

Grand  Steward,  with  Eod. 

Grand  Organist. 

Grand  Lecturer. 

Grand  Orator. 

Grand  Bible  Bearer,  with  Bible,  Square  and  Compass. 

Grand  Chaplain. 

Chief  Architect. 

A  Past  Master,  with  a  Light. 

A  Past  Master,  with  a  Light. 

Assistant  Grand  Secretary. 

Grand  Secretary. 

Grand  Treasurer. 

Junior  Grand  Warden,  with  the  Vessel  of  Corn. 

Senior  Grand  Warden,  with  the  Vessel  of  Wine. 

Deputy  Grand  Master,  with  the  Vessel  of  Oil. 

Junior  Grand  Deacon,  with  Eod. 

Grand  Master. 
Senior  Grand  Deacon,  with  Eod. 

The  procession  being  formed,  the  Grand  Officers 
face  inward,  toward  the  Lodge,  and  remain  in  this 
position  while  the  choir  sing  the  following 

DEDICATION    HYMN: 

Tune — '  *  Eockingham. ' ' 
Supreme  Grand  Master!  most  sublime! 
High  thron'd  in  Glory  's  radiant  clime; 
Behold  thy  sons  on  bended  knee, 
Convened,  O  God,  to  worship  Thee! 

And  as  'tis  Thine  with  open  ear, 
The  supplicating  voice  to  hear, 
Grant  thou,  O  Lord,  this  one  request, 
Let  Masons  be,  in  blessing,  blest. 


274  DEDICATION    OF    MASONIC    HALLS 

O!  give  the  Craft,  from  pole  to  pole, 
The  feeling  heart,  the  pitying  soul, 
The  generous  breast,  the  liberal  hand, 
Compassion's  balm,  and  mercy's  brand. 

With  charity  that  pours  around, 
The  wine  and  oil  on  misery's  wound; 
And  heals  the  widow's,  orphan's  heart, 
Deep  pierced  by  sorrow's  venom 'd  dart. 

Then  to  Thy  throne  the  Craft  shall  raise 
One  deathless  song  of  grateful  praise; 
And  Masons,  men  in  chorus  join, 
To  hymn  the  power  of  love  divine. 

The  Grand  Officers  then  march  around  the  symbol 
of  the  Lodge,  at  the  same  time  the  following  stanza 
is  sung: — 

Tune— < '  Old  Hundred. ' ' 

"Genius  of  Masonry,  descend; 

And  with  thee  bring  thy  spotless  name; 
Constant  our  Sacred  Eights  attend, 

While  we  adore  thy  peaceful  reign." 

When  the  Grand  Master  arrives  at  the  East,  the 
music  ceases,  and  the  procession  halts,  and  faces 
inward;  the  Grand  Officers  kneel,  and  the  Grand 
Chaplain  offers  the  following 

Consecration  Prayer: 

"Great  Architect  of  the  Universe!  Maker  and 
Euler  of  all  the  World!  deign  from  thy  celestial 
temple,  from  realms  of  light  and  glory,  to  bless  us 


DEDICATION    OF    MASONIC    HALLS  275 

in  all  Hie  purposes  of  our  present  assembly!  We 
humbly  implore  thee  to  give  us  at  this,  and  at  all 
times,  wisdom  in  all  our  doings,  strength  of  mind  in 
all  our  difficulties,  and  the  beauty  of  harmony  in  all 
our  undertakings.  Permit  us,  O  thou  Author  of 
Light  and  Life,  Great  Source  of  Love  and  Happi- 
ness, to  consecrate  this  Hall,  and  dedicate  it  to  thy 
honor  and  thy  glory.     Amen.n 

Response — "  Glory  to  God  on  high;  on  earth  peace, 
good  will  to  men." 

The  Grand  Officers  then  rise  and  move  around  the 
symbol  of  the  Lodge,  as  before,  during  which  the 
second  stanza  of  the  ode  is  sung: — 

" Bring  with  thee  Virtue,  brightest  maid; 

Bring  Love,  bring  Truth,  bring  Friendship  here, 
While  Social  Mirth  shall  lend  her  aid, 

To  smooth  the  wrinkled  brow  of  Care. ri 

When  the  Grand  Master  reaches  the  East,  the  pro- 
cession halts,  faces  inward,  and  the  Junior  Grand 
Warden  advances  and  presents  the  Vessel  of  Corn, 
saying:— 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master: — In  the  dedica- 
tion of  Masonic  Halls,  it  has  been  the  immemorial 
custom  to  pour  Corn  upon  the  Lodge  as  an  emblem 
of  nourishment.  I,  therefore,  present  to  you  the 
Vessel  of  Corn,  to  be  employed  by  you  according  to 
ancient  usage. 

The  Grand  Marshal  slowly  uncovers  the  emblem  of 
the  Lodge,  and  the  Grand  Master  then  calls  up  the 
brethren  by  striking  the  emblem  thrice  with  his 
gavel,  and  pours  the  Corn  upon  the  emblem,  say- 
ing:— 


270  DEDICATION    OF    MASONIC    HALLS 

In  the  name  of  the  Great  Jehovah,  to  whom  be  all 
honor  and  glory,  I  do  solemnly  dedicate  this  Hall  to 
Freemasonry. 

The  Public  Grand  Honors  are  then  given  once. 
The  Grand  Master  seats  the  brethren,  and  the  pro- 
cession moves  around  the  emblem,  during  which  the 
third  stanza  is  sung: — 

tl Bring  Charity  with  goodness  crowned; 

Encircled  in  thy  heavenly  robe; 
Diffuse  thy  blessings  all  around, 

To  every  corner  of  the  globe. '  * 

When  the  Grand  Master  reaches  the  East,  the 
Senior  Grand  Warden  advances  and  presents  the 
Vessel  of  Wine,  saying: — 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master: — Wine,  the  em- 
blem of  refreshment,  having  been  used  by  our 
ancient  brethren  in  the  ceremonies  of  dedication  and 
consecration,  I  present  to  you  this  Vessel  of  Wine, 
to  be  used  by  you  on  the  present  occasion  according 
to  ancient  Masonic  form. 

The  Grand  Master  then  strikes  the  emblem  three 
times,  and  sprinkles  the  Wine  upon  the  emblem, 
saying: — 

In  the  name  of  the  Holy  Saints  John,  I  do 
solemnly  dedicate  this  Hall  to  Virtue. 

The  Public  Grand  Honors  are  then  given  twice; 
the  brethren  are  seated,  and  the  procession  moves 
around  the  emblem,  during  which  the  fourth  stanza 
is  sung: — 

"To  heaven's  High  Architect  all  praise, 
All  praise,  all  gratitude  be  given, 

Who  deigned  the  human  soul  to  raise, 
By  mystic  secrets  sprung  from  heaven. )f 


DEDICATION    OF    MASONIC    HALLS  277 

When  the  Grand  Master  arrives  at  the  East,  the 
Deputy  Grand  Master  advances  and  presents  the 
Vessel  of  Oil,  saying: — 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master: — I  present  to  you, 
to  be  used  according  to  ancient  custom,  this  Vessel 
of  Oil,  an  emblem  of  that  joy  which  should  animate 
every  bosom  on  the  completion  of  any  important 
undertaking. 

The  Grand  Master  strikes  the  emblem  three  times, 
and  sprinkles  the  oil  upon  the  emblem,  saying: — 

In  the  name  of  the  whole  Fraternity,  I  do  solemnly 
dedicate  this  Hall  to  Universal  Benevolence. 

The  Public  Grand  Honors  are  then  given  thrice. 

The  Grand  Chaplain  then  advances  and  makes  the 
following  or  a  similar 

Invocation. 

"And  may  the  Lord,  the  giver  of  every  good  and 
perfect  gift,  bless  the  brethren  here  assembled,  in 
all  their  lawful  undertakings,  and  grant  to  every  one 
of  them,  in  needful  supply,  the  Corn  of  Nourishment, 
the  Wine  of  Eefreshment,  and  the  Oil  of  Joy. 
Amen. " 

Response — So  mote  it  be. 

The  following  hymn  is  then  sung  by  the  choir: — 
Tune — i '  America. ' ' 

11  Hail  Universal  Lord — 

By  Heaven  and  Earth  adored — 

All  hail,  great  God! 
Before  thy  throne  we  bend, 
To  us  thy  grace  extend,   . 
And  to   our  prayer  attend, 
All  hail,  Great  God ! 


278  DEDICATION   OF    MASONIC    HALLS 

To  thee  our  hearts  do  draw, 
Ob  them,  O!  write  thy  law, 

Our  Saviour  God! 
When  in  this  Lodge  we  meet, 
And  at  this  altar  sit, 
O!  do  not  us  forget, 

Our  Saviour  God! " 

The  Grand  Marshal  then  re-covers  the  emblem  of 
the  Lodge;  the  Grand  Master  resumes  his  chair,  and 
other  Grand  Officers  repair  to  their  respective 
stations. 

By  direction  of  the  Grand  Master,  the  Grand  Mar- 
shal then  makes  the  following  proclamation: — 

By  order  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master,  I 
do  hereby  proclaim  that  the  Hall  in  which  we  are 
now  assembled  has  been  dedicated  to  the  purposes  of 
Freemasonry  in  Due  and  Ancient  Form.  All  persons 
interested  will  take  notice  and  goven  themselves 
accordingly.     • 

Address  by  the  Grand  Master,  or  the  Grand  Orator,* 
or  some  brother  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

The  following  should  be  sung  at  the  conclusion  of 
the  exercises: — 

Tune— "Old  Hundred." 

"  Be  thou,  O  God,  exalted  high; 
And  as  thy  glory  fills  the  sky, 
So  let  it  be  on  earth  displayed, 
Till  thou  art  here,  as  there,  obeyed. ' ' 
The  audience  is  then  dismissed  with  the  usual 

Benediction, 

And  the  Grand  Lodge  is  closed  in  proper  form. 


THE  MONITORIAL  WORK 

Of  the  Three  Degrees  of  Masonry,  Compiled  by  the 
Late    John    W.    Shaeffer,    Grand    Lecturer,    as 
Revised  and  Approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge 
of    California    at    Its    Annual    Com- 
munication in  1899. 


FIRST    DEGREE. 


PRAYER  AT  OPENING. 

Great  Architect  of  the  Universe !  In  thy  name 
we  have  assembled  and  in  thy  name  we  desire  to 
proceed  in  all  our  doings.  Grant  that  the  sublime 
principles  of  Freemasonry  may  so  subdue  every  dis- 
cordant passion  within  us — so  harmonize  and  enrich 
our  hearts  with  thine  own  love  and  goodness — that 
the  Lodge  at  this  time  may  humbly  reflect  that  order 
and  beauty  which  reign  forever  before  thy  throne. 
Amen. 

Another. 

Supreme  Ruler  of  the  Universe!  We  reverently 
invoke  thy  blessing  at  this  time.  Wilt  thou  be 
pleased  to  grant  that  this  meeting,  thus  begun  in 
order,  may  be  conducted  in  peace  and  closed  in 
harmony.    Amen. 


280  MONITORIAL   WORK 

QUESTIONS. 

I.  Do  you  seriously  declare,  upon  your  honor, 
that  unbiased  by  friends  and  uninfluenced  by  mercen- 
ary motives  you  freely  and  voluntarily  offer  yourself 
as  a  candidate  for  the  mysteries  of  Masonry? 

II.  Do  you  seriously  declare,  upon  your  honor, 
that  you  are  prompted  to  solicit  the  privileges  of 
Masonry  by  a  favorable  opinion  conceived  of  the 
Institution,  a  desire  for  knowledge,  and  a  sincere 
wish  to  be  serviceable  to  your  fellow  creatures? 

III.  Do  you  seriously  declare,  upon  your  honor, 
that  you  will  cheerfully  conform  to  all  the  ancient 
established  usages  and  customs  of  the  Fraternity? 


PBAYER  AT  INITIATION. 

Vouchsafe  thine  aid,  Almighty  Father  of  the  Uni- 
verse, to  this  our  present  convention,  and  grant  that 
this  candidate  for  Freemasonry  may  dedicate  and 
devote  his  life  to  thy  service,  and  become  a  true  and 
faithful  brother  among  us.  Endue  him  with  a  com- 
petency of  thy  Divine  Wisdom,  that,  by  the  influence 
of  the  pure  principles  of  Freemasonry,  he  may  the 
better  be  enabled  to  display  the  beauties  of  holiness, 
to  the  honor  of  thy  holy  name.     Amen. 


"  Behold  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for 
brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity. 

"It  is  like  the  precious  ointment  upon  the  head, 
that  ran  down  upon  the  beard,  even  Aaron's  beard, 
that  went  down  to  the  skirts  of  his  garments; 


MONITORIAL   WORK  281 

"As  the  dew  of  Hermon,  and  as  the  dew  that 
descended  upon  the  mountains  of  Zion:  for  there  the 
Lord    commanded   the   blessing,    even   life   forever- 


CEEATION. 

In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and  the 
earth;  and  the  earth  was  without  form,  and  void; 
and  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the  deep,  and  the 
spirit  of  God  moved  upon  the  face  of  the  waters; 
and  God  said,  "Let  there  be  light!  and  there  was 
light.' ' 


THE  LAMB-SKIN  APEOJNT 

Is  an  emblem  of  innocence  and  the  badge  of  a 
Mason.  More  ancient  than  the  Golden  Fleece  or  the 
Roman  Eagle,  more  honorable  than  the  Star  or 
Garter,  or  any  distinction  that  can  be  conferred  upon 
the  candidate,  at  this  or  any  future  period,  by  King, 
Prince,  Potentate,  or  any  other  person.  It  is  hoped 
that  he  will  wear  it  with  pleasure  to  himself  and 
honor  to  the  Fraternity. 


THE   TWENTY-FOUE-LNCH   GAUGE 

Is  an  instrument  made  use  of  by  operative  Masons 
to  measure  and  lay  out  their  work.  But  we,  as  Free 
and  Accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to  make  use  of  it 
for  the  more  noble  and  glorious  purpose  of  dividing 
our  time.  It,  being  divided  into  twenty-four  equal 
parts,  is  emblematic  of  the  twenty-four  hours  of  the 


282  MONITORIAL    WORK 

day,  which  we  are  taught  to  divide  in  three  parts, 
whereby  we  find  a  part  for  the  service  of  God  and  a 
distressed  worthy  brother;  a  part  for  our  usual  voca- 
tions; and  a  part  for  refreshment  and  repose. 

THE  COMMON  GAVEL 

Is  an  instrument  used  by  operative  Masons  to 
break  off  the  rough  and  superfluous  parts  of  stones, 
the  better  to  fit  them  for  the  builder 's  use.  But  we, 
as  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to  make 
use  of  it  for  the  more  noble  and  glorious  purpose 
of  divesting  our  hearts  and  consciences  of  all  the 
vices  and  superfluities  of  life;  thereby  fitting  our 
minds  as  living  stones  for  that  spiritual  building, 
that  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens. 


THE  BADGE  OF  A  MASON. 

The  Lamb,  in  all  ages,  has  been  deemed  an  emblem 
of  innocence.  He,  therefore  who  wears  the  lamb- 
skin as  the  badge  of  a  Mason,  is  continually  re- 
minded of  that  purity  of  life  and  conduct  so  essen- 
tially necessary  to  his  gaining  admission  into  the 
Celestial  Lodge  above,  where  the  Supreme  Architect 
of  the  Universe  presides. 


In  the  third  section  we  receive  instruction  relative 
to  the  Form,  Supports,  Covering,  Furniture,  Orna- 
ments, Lights,  and  Jewels  of  a  Lodge;  how  it  is 
situated,  and  to  whom  dedicated. 


MONITORIAL   WORK  283 

A  Lodge  is  a  certain  number  of  brethren  duly 
assembled  with  a  Holy  Bible,  a  Square  and  Compass, 
and  a  Charter  or  Dispensation  authorizing  them  to 
meet. 

A  Charter  is  an  instrument  emanating  from  the 
Grand  Lodge  and,  in  this  Jurisdiction,  signed  by  the 
Grand  Master  and  Grand  Secretary,  authorizing 
certain  brethren  therein  named,  when  duly  assembled, 
to  Initiate,  Pass  and  Eaise  all  good  men  and  true 
who  may  apply  for  the  purpose  and  whom  they  may 
find  worthy.  A  Dispensation  is  a  like  instrument, 
issued  by  the  Grand  Master  during  the  recess  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  which,  for  a  limited  period,  confers 
similar  powers. 

Our  ancient  brethren  assembled  on  the  highest 
hills  and  in  the  lowest  vales,  the  better  to  observe 
the  approach  of  cowans  and  eavesdroppers. 

The  Form  of  a  Lodge  is  oblong.  It  extends  from 
east  to  west  and  from  north  to  south,  and  it  is  said 
to  be  thus  extensive  to  denote  the  universality  of 
Masonry  and  to  teach  us  that  a  Mason 's  charity 
should  be  equally  extensive;  for  in  every  country 
and  in  every  clime  are  Masons  to  be  found. 

A  Lodge  is  metaphorically  said  to  be  supported  by 
three  great  pillars,  denominated  Wisdom,  Strength 
and  Beauty;  it  being  necessary  that  there  should  be 
wisdom  to  contrive,  strength  to  support,  and  beauty 
to  adorn  all  great  and  important  undertakings. 
These  pillars  are  represented  in  the  Lodge  by  the 
Worshipful  Master,  and  the  Senior  and  Junior  War- 
dens. 

The  Covering  of  a  Lodge  is  no  less  than  the 
clouded  canopy  or  star-decked  heaven  where  all  good 
Masons  hope  at  last  to  arrive  by  aid  of  that  theo- 
logical ladder  which  Jacob,  in  his  vision,  saw,  reach- 


284  MONITORIAL    WORK 

ing  from  earth  to  heaven — the  three  principal  rounds 
of  which  are  denominated  Faith,  Hope  and  Charity; 
which  admonish  us  to  have  faith  in  God,  hope  of 
immortality,  and  charity  for  all  mankind.  The  great- 
est of  these  is  Charity;  for  our  Faith  may  be  lost 
in  sight,  Hope  ends  in  fruition,  but  Charity  extends 
beyond  the  grave,  through  the  boundless  realms  of 
eternity. 

Every  regular  Lodge  is  furnished  with  a  Holy 
Bible,  Square  and  Compass. 

The  Holy  Bible  is  dedicated  to  God,  it  being  the 
inestimable  gift  to  man  as  the  rule  and  guide  of  his 
faith;  ******  the  Square  to  the  Master, 
because  it  is  the  proper  Masonic  emblem  of  his  office; 
and  the  Compass  to  the  Craft,  for,  by  due  attention 
to  its  use,  we  are  taught  to  circumscribe  our  desires 
and  keep  our  passions  within  due  bounds  toward 
all  mankind. 

The  Ornaments  of  a  Lodge  are  the  Mosaic  Pave- 
ment, the  Indented  Tessel,  and  the  Blazing  Star. 
The  Mosaic  Pavement  is  a  representation  of  the 
ground  floor  of  King  Solomon's  temple,  and  is  em- 
blematic of  human  life,  checkered  with  good  and 
evil.  The  Indented  Tessel  is  a  representation  of  the 
beautiful  tesselated  border  or  skirting  which  sur- 
rounded the  pavement,  and  is  emblematic  of  the 
manifold  blessings  and  comforts  which  surround  us, 
and  which  we  hope  to  enjoy  by  a  faithful  reliance 
upon  Divine  Providence,  hieroglyphically  represented 
by  the  Blazing  Star  in  the  center. 

The  Lights  of  a  Lodge  are  three,  situated  in  the 
East,  West  and  South.  As  you  may  observe  there 
is  none  in  the  North,  because  King  Solomon's  Tem- 
ple, of  which  every  Lodge  is  a  representation,  was 
situated  so  far  north  of  the  Ecliptic  that  neither  the 


MONITORIAL    WORK  285 

Sun  nor  Moon,  at  meridian  height,  could  dart  its 
rays  into  the  north  part  of  the  building.  The  North, 
therefore,  among  Masons,  has  always  been  termed  a 
place  of  darkness. 

The  Jewels  of  a  Lodge  are  six:  three  immovable, 
and  three  movable.  T?he  Immovable  Jewels  are  the 
Square,  the  Level,  and  the  Plumb;  and  they  are 
termed  immovable  because  they  are  the  jewels  of  the 
three  principal  officers  of  the  Lodge,  the  Worship- 
ful Master  and  the  Senior  and  Junior  Wardens,  who 
are  always  stationed  in  the  East,  West,  and  South. 
The  Square  denotes  morality,  the  Level  equality, 
and  the  Plumb  rectitude  of  life. 

The  Movable  Jewels  are  the  Eough  Ashlar,  the 
Perfect  Ashlar,  and  the  Trestle  Board.  The  Rough 
Ashlar  is  a  stone  as  taken  from  the  quarry  in  its 
rude  and  natural  state.  The  Perfect  Ashlar  is  a 
stone  made  ready  by  the  hands  of  the  workman,  to 
be  adjusted  by  the  working-tools  of  the  Fellow  Craft. 
The  Trestle  Board  is  for  the  Master  Workman  to 
draw  his  designs  upon. 

By  the  Rough  Ashlar  we  are  reminded  of  our  rude 
and  imperfect  state  by  nature;  by  the  Perfect  Ashlar, 
of  that  state  of  perfection  at  which  we  hope  to  arrive 
by  a  virtuous  education,  our  own  endeavors  and  the 
blessing  of  God;  and  by  the  Trestle  Board  we  are 
reminded  that,  as  the  operative  workman  erects  his 
temporal  building  agreeably  to  the  rules  and  designs 
laid  down  by  the  Master  on  his  Trestle  Board,  so 
should  we,  both  operative  and  speculative,  endeavor 
to  erect  our  spiritual  building  agreeably  to  the  rules 
and  designs  laid  down  by  the  Supreme  Architect  of 
the  Universe  in  the  great  book  of  nature  and  revela- 
tion, which  is  our  spiritual,  moral,  and  Masonic 
Trestle  Board. 


286  MONITORIAL   WORK 

Lodges  are  situated  due  East  and  West  because 
Moses,  after  having  been  instrumental  in  conducting 
t.he  children  of  Israel  through  the  Red  Sea  when 
pursued  by  Pharaoh  and  his  hosts,  by  divine  com- 
mand erected  a  tabernacle  which  he  placed  due  east 
and  west,  to  commemorate  the  mighty  east  wind 
by  which  their  miraculous  deliverance  was  wrought. 
This  Tabernacle  was  an  exact  model  of  King  Sol- 
omon's Temple,  for  which  reason  all  Masonic  Lodges 
are,  or  should  be,  situated  due  east  and  west. 

Lodges  were  anciently  dedicated  to  King  Solomon, 
as  it  is  said  that  he  was  our  first  Most  Excellent 
Grand  Master.  Lodges  at  the  present  time  are 
dedicated  to  Saint  John  the  Baptist  and  Saint  John 
the  Evangelist,  who  were  two  eminent  patrons  of 
Masonry;  and  since  their  time  there  is,  or  should  be, 
represented  in  every  regular  Lodge  a  certain  point 
within  a  circle — the  point  representing  an  individual 
brother,  and  the  circle,  the  boundary  line  of  his  con- 
duct, beyond  which  he  should  never  suffer  his  pas- 
sions, his  prejudices,  or  his  interest,  to  betray  him. 
This  circle  is  supported  by  two  perpendicular  parallel 
lines,  representing  Saint  John  the  Baptist  and  Saint 
John  the  Evangelist,  and  on  its  top  rest  the  Holy 
Writings.  In  tracing  its  circumference  we  neces- 
sarily touch  upon  the  parallel  lines  and  also  upon  the 
Holy  Bible;  and  while  a  Mason  keeps  himself  thus 
circumscribed,  it  is  impossible  that  he  can  materially 
err. 

The  three  principal  tenets  of  Masonry  are  Brother- 
ly Love,  Relief,  and  Truth. 

Brotherly  Love. 

By  the  exercise  of  Brotherly  Love  we  are  taught  to 
regard  the  whole  human  species  as  one  family. — the 


MONITORIAL    WORK 


287 


high  and  the  low,  the  rich  and  the  poor, — who, 
as  created  by  one  Almighty  Parent,  and  inhabitants 
of  the  same  planet,  are  to  aid,  support  and  protect 
each  other.  On  this  principle  Masonry  unites  men  of 
every  country,  sect  and  opinion;  and  causes  true 
friendship  to  exist  among  those  who  might  otherwise 
have  remained  at  a  perpetual  distance. 

Relief. 
To  relieve  the  distressed  is  a  duty  incumbent  on 
all  men,  but  particularly  on  Masons,  who  are  linked 
together  by  an  indissoluble  chain  of  sincere  af- 
fection. To  soothe  the  unhappy,  to  sympathize  with 
their  misfortunes,  to  compassionate  their  miseries, 
and  to  restore  peace  to  their  troubled  minds,  is  the 
great  aim  we  have  in  view.  On  this  basis  we  form 
our  friendships  and  establish  our  connections. 

Truth. 

Truth  is  a  divine  attribute  and  the  foundation  of 
every  virtue.  To  be  good  and  true  is  the  first  lesson 
we  are  taught  in  Masonry,  On  this  theme  we  con- 
template; and  by  its  dictates  endeavor  to  regulate 
our  conduct.  Hence,  while  influenced  by  this  prin- 
ciple, hypocrisy  and  deceit  are  unknown  among  us; 
sincerity  and  plain  dealing  distinguish  us;  and  with 
heart  and  tongue  we  join  in  promoting  each  other  ?s 
welfare  and  rejoicing  in  each  other's  prosperity. 


288  MONITORIAL    WORK 

TEMPERANCE,     FORTITUDE,     PRUDENCE, 
AND  JUSTICE. 

Temperance 

Is  that  due  restraint  upon  the  affections  and 
passions  which  renders  the  body  tame  and  govern- 
able, and  frees  the  mind  from  the  allurements  of 
vice.  This  virtue  should  be  the  constant  practice 
of  every  Mason,  as  he  is  thereby  taught  to  avoid 
excess  or  the  contracting  of  any  licentious  or  vicious 
habits,  the  indulgence  in  which  might  lead  him  to 
disclose  some  of  those  valuable  secrets  which  he 
has  promised  to  conceal  and  never  reveal,  which 
would  consequently  subject  him  to  the  contempt  and 
detestation  of  all  good  Masons.        ***** 

******** 

Fortitude 

Is  that  noble  and  steady  purpose  of  the  mind 
whereby  we  are  enabled  to  undergo  any  pain,  peril  or 
danger,  when  prudentially  deemed  expedient.  This 
virtue  is  equally  distant  from  rashness  and  cowardice, 
and  like  the  former  virtue,  should  be  deeply  im- 
pressed upon  the  mind  of  every  Mason,  as  a  safe- 
guard or  security  against  any  illegal  attempt  which 
may  be  made,  by  force  or  otherwise,  to  extort 
from  him  any  of  those  valuable  secrets  with  which 
he  has  been  so  solemnly  intrusted,  and  which  was 
emblematically  represented  upon  his  first  admission 
into  the  Lodge.      ********* 

******** 

Prudence 

Teaches  us  to  regulate  our  lives  and  actions  agree- 
ably to  the  dictates  of  reason,  and  is  that  faculty 


MONITORIAL   WORK  289 

by  which  we  wisely  judge  and  prudentially  determine 
on  all  things  relative  to  our  present,  as  well  as  our 
future  happiness.  This  virtue  should  be  the  peculiar 
characteristic  of  every  Mason,  not  only  for  the 
government  of  his  conduct  while  in  the  Lodge,  but 
also  when  abroad  in  the  world.  He  should  be  par- 
ticularly careful,  in  all  strange  and  mixed  com- 
panies, never  to  let  fall  the  least  sign,  token,  or 
word,  whereby  the  secrets  of  Freemasonry  might  be 
unlawfully  obtained.  ******* 
******** 

Justice 

Is  that  standard  or  boundary  of  right  which  en- 
ables us  to  render  unto  every  man  his  just  dues, 
without  distinction.  This  virtue  is  not  only  consistent 
with  divine  and  human  laws,  but  is  the  very  cement 
and  suport  of  civil  society;  and,  as  justice  in  a 
great  measure  constitutes  the  really  good  man,  so 
should  it  be  the  invariable  practice  of  every  Mason 
never  to  deviate  from  the  minutest  principles  there- 
of. 


Freedom,  Fervency,  ancl  Zeal. 
Ch.  Gh.  CI. 


CHARGE. 
My   Brother: — Having   passed   through   the   cere- 
monies of  your  initiation,  allow  me  to  congratulate 
you  on  your  admission  into  our  ancient  and  honorable 


290  MONITORIAL   WORK 

Fraternity.  Ancient,  as  having  existed  from  time 
immemorable;  and  honorable,  as  tending  to  make  all 
men  so  who  are  strictly  obedient  to  its  precepts.  It  is 
an  institution  having  for  its  foundation  the  practice 
of  the  social  and  moral  virtues;  and,  to  so  high  an 
eminence  has  its  credit  been  advanced,  that,  in 
every  age  and  country,  men,  pre-eminent  for  their 
moral  and  intellectual  attainments,  have  encouraged 
and  promoted  its  interests.  Nor  has  it  been  thought 
derogatory  to  their  dignity  that  monarchs  have,  for 
a  season,  exchanged  the  sceptre  for  the  trowel,  to 
patronize  our  mysteries  and  join  in  our  assemblies. 

As  a  Mason,  you  are  to  regard  the  volume  of  the 
Sacred  Law  as  the  great  light  in  your  profession; 
to  consider  it  as  the  unerring  standard  of  truth  and 
justice;  and  to  regulate  your  actions  by  the  divine 
precepts  it  contains.  In  it  you  will  learn  the  im- 
portant duties  which  you  owe  to  God,  your  neighbor, 
and  yourself.  To  God,  by  never  mentioning  his 
name  but  with  that  awe  and  reverence  which  are 
due  from  the  creature  to  his  Creator;  by  imploring 
his  aid  in  all  your  lawful  undertakings  and  by  look- 
ing up  to  him  in  every  emergency  for  comfort  and 
support.  To  your  neighbor,  by  acting  with  him  upon 
the  Square;  by  rendering  him  every  kind  office  which 
justice  or  mercy  may  require;  by  relieving  his  dis- 
tresses and  soothing  his  afflictions;  and  by  doing  to 
him  as,  in  similar  cases,  you  would  that  he  should 
do  unto  you.  And  to  yourself,  by  such  a  prudent  and 
well-regulated  course  of  discipline  as  may  best  con- 
duce to  the  preservation  of  your  corporeal  and  mental 
faculties  in  their  fullest  energy;  thereby  enabling 
you  to  exert  the  talents  wherewith  God  has  blest 
you,  as  well  to  his  glory  as  to  the  welfare  of  your 
fellow-creatures. 


MONITORIAL   WORK  291 

As  a  Citizen,  you  arc  enjoin ed  to  be  exemplary  in 
the  discharge  of  your  civil  duties,  by  never  propos- 
ing or  countenancing  any  act  which  may  have  a 
tendency  to  subvert  the  peace  and  good  order  of 
society;  by  paying  due  obedience  to  the  laws  under 
whose  protection  you  live;  and  by  never  losing  sight 
of  the  allegiance  due  to  your  country. 

As  an  Individual,  you  are  charged  to  practice  the 
domestic  and  public  virtues.  Let  Temperance 
chasten,  Fortitude  support,  and  Prudence  direct  you, 
and  let  Justice  be  the  guide  of  all  your  actions.  Be 
especially  careful  to  maintain  in  their  fullest 
splendor,  those  truly  Masonic  ornaments — Brotherly 
Love,  Belief,  and  Truth. 

Finally:  Be  faithful  to  the  trust  committed  to 
your  care,  and  manifest  your  fidelity  to  your  prin- 
ciples by  a  strict  observance  of  the  Constitution  of 
the  Fraternity;  by  adhering  to  the  Ancient  Land- 
marks thereof;  and  by  refusing  to  recommend  any 
one  to  a  participation  in  our  privileges  unless  you 
have  strong  reasons  to  believe  that,  by  a  similar 
fidelity,  he  will  ultimately  reflect  honor  on  our 
ancient  Institution. 

CLOSING. 


PEAYEE  AT  CLOSING. 

Supreme  Grand  Master!  Euler  of  Heaven  and 
Karth!  Now  that  we  are  about  to  separate  and 
return  fco  oar  respective  places  of  abode,  wilt  thou 
be  pleased  s<>  to  influence  our  hearts  and  minds  that 
we  may  each  one  of  us  practice  out  of  the  Lodge 


4*6  MONITORIAL   WORK 

those  great  moral  duties  which  are  inculcated  in  it, 
and  with  reverence  study  and  obey  the  laws  which 
thou  hast  given  us  in  thy  holy  word.    Amen. 

Response — So  mote  it  be. 

*        ■    *  *  #  *  #  *  * 

Benediction. 

May  the  blessing  of  Heaven  rest  upon  us  and  all 
regular  Masons!  May  Brotherly  Love  prevail,  and 
every  moral  and  social  virtue  cement  us!     Amen. 

Response — So  mote  it  be. 


MONITORIAL    WORK  293 


SECOND    DEGREE. 


"  Though  I  speak  with  the  tongues  of  men  and 
of  angels,  and  have  not  charity,  I  am  become  as 
sounding  brass  or  a  tinkling  cymbal. 

"And  though  I  have  the  gift  of  prophecy  and 
understanding  all  mysteries  and  all  knowledge;  and 
•though  I  have  all  faith,  so  that  I  could  remove 
mountains,  and  have  not  charity,  I  am  nothing. 

"And  though  I  bestow  all  my  goods  to  feed  the 
poor,  and  though  I  give  my  body  to  be  burned,  and 
have  not  charity,  it  profiteth  me  nothing. 

"Charity  suffereth  long,  and  is  kind;  charity  en- 
vieth  not;  charity  vaunteth  not  itself,  is  not  puffed 
up;  doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly,  seeketh  not  her 
own,  is  not  easily  provoked,  thinketh  no  evil;  re- 
joiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  rejoiceth  in  the  truth; 
beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things,  hopest  all 
things,  endureth  all  things. 

"And  now  abideth  faith,  hope,  charity,  these 
three;  but  the  greatest  of  these  is  charity." 


THE  WOKKING  TOOLS. 

******** 

Plumb,  Square,  and  Level. 

The  Plumb  is  an  instrument  made  use  of  by  oper- 
ative Masons  to  try  perpendiculars;  the  Square,  to 
square   their   work;    and   the   Level,   to    prove   hori- 


294  MONITORIAL   WORK 

zontals;  but  we,  as  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  are 
taught  to  make  use  of  them  for  more  noble  and 
glorious  purposes.  The  Plumb  admonishes  us  to 
walk  uprightly  in  our  several  stations  before  God 
and  man,  squaring  our  actions  by  the  Square  of 
virtue,  and  ever  remembering  that  we  are  traveling 
upon  the  Level  of  time  to  "that  undiscovered 
country  from  whose  bourn  no  traveler  returns. " 
******** 

OPEEATIVE  MASONRY. 
******** 

By  Operative  Masonry  we  allude  to  a  proper  appli- 
cation of  the  useful  rules  of  architecture,  whence  a 
structure  will  derive  figure,  strength  and  beauty, 
and  from  which  will  result  a  due  proportion  and 
just  correspondence  in  all  its  parts.  It  furnishes  us 
with  dwellings  and  convenient  shelters  from  the 
vicissitudes  and  inclemencies  of  the  seasons;  and, 
while  it  displays  the  effects  of  human  wisdom,  as 
well  in  the  choice  as  in  the  arrangement  of  the 
several  materials  of  which  an  edifice  is  composed, 
it  demonstrates  that  a  fund  of  science  and  industry 
is  implanted  in  man  for  the  best,  most  salutary,  and 
most  beneficient  purposes. 


SPECULATIVE    MASONRY. 

By  Speculative  Masonry  we  learn  to  subdue  the 
passions,  act  upon  the  Square,  keep  a  tongue  of 
good  report,  maintain  secrecy,  and  practice  charity. 
It  is  so  far  interwoven  with  religion  as  to  lay  us 
under  obligations  to  pay  that  rational  homage  to 
the  Deity  which  at  once  constitutes  our  duty  and 
our  happiness.  It  leads  the  contemplative  Mason 
to  view  with  reverence  and  admiration  the  glorious 


MONITORIAL   WORK  295 

works  of  the  Creation,  and  inspires  him  with  the 
most  exalted  ideas  of  the  perfections  of  his  divine 
Creator. 


In  Six  Days 

God  created  the  heaven  and  the  earth,  and  rested 
upon  the  seventh  day.  The  seventh,  therefore,  our 
ancient  brethren  consecrated  as  a  day  of  rest  from 
their  labors;  thereby  enjoying  frequent  opportunities 
to  contemplate  the  glorious  works  of  the  Creation, 
and  to  adore  their  great  Creator. 


THE  USE  OF  THE  GLOBES. 

Their  principal  use,  besides  serving  as  maps  to 
distinguish  the  outward  parts  of  the  earth  and  the 
situation  of  the  fixed  stars,  is  to  illustrate  and  explain 
the  phenomena  arising  from  the  annual  revolution 
of  the  earth  around  the  sun,  and  its  diurnal  rotation 
upon  its  own  axis.  They  are  valuable  instruments 
for  improving  the  mind  and  giving  it  the  most  dis- 
tinct idea  of  any  problem  or  proposition,  as  well  as 
for  enabling  it  to  solve  the  same.  Contemplating 
these  bodies,  we  are  inspired  with  a  due  reverence 
for  the  Deity  and  his  works,  and  are  induced  to 
encourage  the  studies  of  astronomy,  geography, 
navigation,  and  the  arts  dependent  upon  them,  by 
which  society  has  been  so  much  benefited. 


296  MONITORIAL    WORK 

OEDEE  IN  AECHITECTUEE. 

By  order  in  architecture  is  meant  a  system  of  all 
the  members,  proportions,  and  ornaments  of  columns 
and  pilasters;  or,  it  is  a  regular  arrangement  of  the 
projecting  parts  of  a  building,  which  united  .with 
those  of  a  column,  form  a  beautiful,  perfect  -and 
complete  whole. 

Of  Its  Antiquity. 

From  the  first  formation  of  society  order  in  archi- 
tecture may  be  traced.  When  the  rigor  of  seasons 
first  obliged  men  to  contrive  shelter  from  the  in- 
clemency of  the  weather,  we  learn  that  they  first 
planted  trees  on  end,  and  then  laid  others  across  to 
support  a  covering.  The  bands  which  connected 
those  trees  at  top  and  bottom  are  said  to  have  given 
rise  to  the  idea  of  the  base  and  capital  of  pillars; 
and  from  this  simple  hint  originally  proceeded  the 
more  improved  art  of  architecture. 

The  five  Orders  are  thus  classed:  the  Tuscan, 
Doric,  Ionic,  Corinthian,  and  Composite. 

Of  the  Invention  of  Order  in  Architecture. 

The  ancient  and  original  orders  of  architecture, 
esteemed  by  Masons,  are  no  more  than  three — the 
Doric,  Ionic,  and  Corinthian — which  were  invented 
by  the  Greeks.  To  these  the  Eomans  added  two: 
the  Tuscan,  which  they  made  plainer  than  the  Doric, 
and  the  Composite,  which  was  more  ornamental,  if 
not  more  beautiful  than  the  Corinthian.  The  first 
three  orders  alone,  however,  show  invention  and 
particular  character,  and  essentially  differ  from  each 
other;  the  two  others  having  nothing  but  that  which 
is  borrowed,  and  differing  only  accidentally.  The 
Tuscan   is   the   Doric  in   its  earliest   state,   and  the 


MONITORIAL    WORK  297 

Composite  is  the  Corinthian  enriched  with  the  Ionic. 
To  the  Greeks,  therefore,  and  not  to  the  Eomans,  we 
are  indebted  for  what  is  great,  judicious  and  dis- 
tinct in  architecture. 


THE     FIVE     SENSES     OF     HUMAN     NATURE. 

Hearing,  Seeing,  Feeling,  Smelling,  and  Tasting. 
******** 

******* 

THE   SEVEN   LIBERAL   ARTS   AND   SCIENCES 

Are   Grammar,   Rhetoric,  Logic,   Arithmetic,   Geo 
metry,  Music  and  Astronomy. 

Geometry- 
Treats  of  the  powers  and  properties  of  magnitudes 
in  general,  where  length,  breadth,  and  thickness  are 
considered;  from  a  point  to  a  line,  from  a  line  to  a 
superfice,  and  from  a  superfice  to  a  solid. 

A  point  is  the  beginning  of  all  geometrical  matter. 
A  line  has  length,  without  breadth  or  thickness. 
A  superfice  has  length  and  breadth,  without  thick- 
ness. 

A  solid  has  length,  breadth,  and  thickness. 

Advantages  of  Geometry. 
By  this  science  the  architect  is  enabled  to  con- 
struct his  plans  and  execute  his  designs;  the  general, 
to  arrange  his  soldiers;  the  engineer,  to  mark  out 
grounds  for  encampments;  the  geographer,  to  give 
us  the  dimensions  of  the  world  and  all  things  there- 
in contained,  to  delineate  the  extent  of  seas,  and  to 
specify  the  divisions  of  empires,  kingdoms,  and 
provinces.     By  it,  also,  the  astronomer  is  enabled  to 


298  MONITORIAL   WORK 

make  his  observations  and  to  fix  the  duration  of 
time  and  seasons,  years  and  cycles.  In  fine,  Geo- 
metry is  the  foundation  of  architecture  and  the  root 
of  the  mathematics. 


Moral  Advantages  of  Geometry. 

Geometry,  the  first  and  noblest  of  sciences,  is  the 
basis  on  which  the  superstructure  of  Freemasonry 
is  erected.  By  Geometry  we  may  curiously  trace 
nature  through  her  various  windings  to  her  most 
concealed  recesses.  By  it  we  discover  the  power, 
wisdom  and  goodness  of  the  Great  Artificer  of  the 
Universe,  and  view  with  delight  the  proportions 
which  connect  this  vast  machine.  By  it  we  discover 
how  the  planets  move  in  their  respective  orbits,  and 
demonstrate  their  various  revolutions.  By  it  we 
account  for  the  return  of  seasons  and  the  variety  of 
scenes  which  each  season  displays  to  the  discerning 
eye.  Numberless  worlds  are  around  us,  all  framed 
by  the  same  Divine  Artist,  which  roll  through  the 
vast  expanse  and  are  all  conducted  by  the  same 
unerring  law  of  nature. 

A  survey  of  nature,  and  the  observation  of  her 
beautiful  proportions,  first  determined  man  to  imitate 
the  Divine  plan,  and  to  study  symmetry  and  order. 
This  gave  rise  to  societies  and  birth  to  every  useful 
art.  The  architect  began  to  design;  and  the  plans 
which  he  laid  down,  being  improved  by  time  and 
experience,  have  produced  works  which  are  the 
admiration  of  every  age. 


MONITORIAL   WORK  299 

The  lapse  of  time,  the  ruthless  hand  of  ignorance, 
and  the  devastations  of  war,  have  laid  waste  and 
destroyed  many  valuable  monuments  of  antiquity  on 
which  the  utmost  exertions  of  human  genius  were 
employed.  Even  the  Temple  of  Solomon,  so  spacious 
and  magnificent,  and  constructed  by  so  many  cele- 
brated artists,  escaped  not  the  unsparing  ravages  of 
barbarous  force.  Freemasonry,  notwithstanding,  has 
still  survived.  The  attentive  ear  receives  the  sound 
from  the  instructive  tongue,  and  the  mysteries  of 
Masonry  are  safely  lodged  in  the  repository  of 
faithful  breasts.  Tools  and  implements  of  architect- 
ure, most  expressive,  are  selected  by  the  Fraternity, 
to  imprint  on  the  memory  wise  and  serious  truths; 
and  thus,  through  a  succession  of  ages,  are  trans- 
mitted unimpaired  the  most  excellent  tenets  of  our 
Institution. 


CHAEGE. 

My  Brother: — Being  advanced  to  the  second  de- 
gree of  Freemasonry,  I  congratulate  you  on  your 
preferment. 

Masonry  is  a  progressive  moral  science,  divided 
into  different  degrees;  and,  as  its  principles  and 
mystic  ceremonies  are  regularly  developed  and  illus- 
trated, it  is  intended  and  hoped  that  they  will  make 
a  deep  and  lasting  impression  upon  your  mind. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  recapitulate  the  duties  which, 
as  a  Fellow  Craft,  you  are  bound  to  discharge.  Your 
general  good  reputation  affords  satisfactory  assur- 
ance that  you  will  not  suffer  any  consideration  to 
induce  you  to  act  in  a  manner  unworthy  of  the 
respectable  character  which  you  now  sustain;  but 
that,  on  the  contrary,  you  will  ever  display  the  dis- 


300  MONITORIAL   WORK 

cretion,  the  virtue,  and  the  dignity  which  become  a 
worthy  and  exemplary  Mason. 

Our  laws  and  regulations  you  are  strenuously  to 
support,  and  be  always  ready  to  assist  in  seeing  them 
duly  executed.  You  are  not  to  palliate  nor  aggra- 
vate the  offenses  of  your  brethren;  but,  in  the  de- 
cision of  every  trespass  against  our  rules,  you  are  to 
judge  with  candor,  admonish  with  friendship,  and 
reprehend  with  justice. 

The  impressive  ceremonies  of  this  degree  are  cal- 
culated to  inculcate  in  the  mind  of  the  novitiate  the 
importance  of  the  study  of  the  liberal  arts  and 
sciences,  especially  of  the  noble  science  of  Geometry, 
which  forms  the  basis  of  Freemasonry,  and  which, 
being  of  a  divine  and  moral  nature,  is  enriched 
with  the  most  useful  knowledge,  for,  while  it  proves 
the  wonderful  properties  of  nature,  it  demonstrates 
the  more  important  truths  of  morality.  To  the 
study  of  Geometry,  therefore,  your  attention  is  es- 
pecially directed. 

Your  past  regular  deportment  and  upright  conduct 
have  merited  the  honor  which  we  have  conferred. 
In  your  present  character  it  is  expected  that,  at  all 
our  assemblies,  you  will  observe  the  solemnities  of 
our  ceremonies;  that  you  will  preserve  the  ancient 
usages  and  customs  of  the  Fraternity  sacred  and 
inviolate;  and  thus,  by  your  example,  induce  others 
also  to  hold  them  in  due  veneration. 

Such  is  the  nature  of  your  engagements  as  a  Fel- 
low Craft,  and  to  a  due  observance  of  them  you  are 
bound  by  the  strongest  ties  of  fidelity  and  honor. 

CLOSING. 


MONITORIAL    WORK  301 


THIRD   DEGREE. 


"Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy 
youth;  while  the  evil  days  come  not,  nor  the  years 
draw  nigh  when  thou  shalt  say,  I  have  no  pleasure 
in  them:  while  the  sun,  or  the  light,  or  the  moon,  or 
the  stars,  be  not  darkened,  nor  the  clouds  return  after 
the  rain:  in  the  day  when  the  keepers  of  the  house 
shall  tremble,  and  the  strong  men  shall  bow  them- 
selves, and  the  grinders  cease  because  they  are  few, 
and  those  that  look  out  of  the  windows  be  darkened, 
and  the  doors  shall  be  shut  in  the  streets;  when 
the  sound  of  the  grinding  is  low;  and  he  shall  rise 
up  at  the  voice  of  the  bird,  and  all  the  daughters  of 
music  shall  be  brought  low.  Also,  when  they  shall 
be  afraid  of  that  which  is  high,  and  fears  shall  be 
in  the  way,  and  the  almond  tree  shall  flourish  and 
the  grasshopper  shall  be  a  burden,  and  desire  shall 
fail:  because  man  goeth  to  his  long  home,  and  the 
mourners  go  about  the  streets:  or  ever  the  silver  cord 
be  loosed,  or  the  golden  bowl  be  broken,  or  the 
pitcher  be  broken  at  the  fountain,  or  the  wheel 
broken  at  the  cistern.  Then  shall  the  dust  return  to 
the  earth  as  it  was;  and  the  spirit  shall  return  unto 
God  who  gave  it. M 


All  the  implements  of  Masonry  indiscriminately, 
but  especially  the  Trowel. 


302  MONITORIAL   WORK 

The  Trowel 

Is  an  instrument  macle  use  of  by  operative  Masons 
to  spread  the  cement  which  unites  the  building  into 
one  common  mass;  but  we,  as  Free  and  Accepted 
Masons,  are  taught  to  make  use  of  it  for  the  more 
noble  and  glorious  purpose  of  spreading  the  cement 
of  brotherly  love  and  affection — that  cement  which 
unites  us  into  one  sacred  band,  or  society  of  friends 
and  brothers,  among  whom  no  contention  should 
ever  exist  but  that  noble  contention,  or  rather  emu- 
lation, of  who  best  can  work  and  best  agree. 


PRAYER. 

Thou,  O  God!  knowest  our  down-sitting  and  our 
uprising,  and  understandest  our  thoughts  afar  off. 
Shield  and  defend  us  from  the  evil  intentions  of 
our  enemies,  and  support  us  under  the  trials  and 
afflictions  which  we  are  destined  to  endure  while 
traveling  through  this  vale  of  tears.  Man  that  is 
born  of  woman  is  of  few  days  and  full  of  trouble. 
He  cometh  forth  as  a  flower  and  is  cut  down;  he 
fleeth  also  as  a  shadow,  and  continueth  not.  Seeing 
that  his  days  are  determined,  the  number  of  his 
months  is  with  thee;  thou  has  appointed  his  bounds 
that  he  cannot  pass;  turn  from  him  that  he  may  rest 
till  he  has  accomplished  his  day.  For  there  is  hope 
of  a  tree/ if  it  be  cut  down,  that  it  will  sprout  again, 
and  that  the  tender  branch  thereof  will  not  cease. 
But  man  dieth  and  wasteth  away;  yea,  man  giveth 
up  the  ghost,  and  where  is  he?     As  the  waters  fail 


MONITORIAL   WORK  303 

from  the  sea  and  the  flood  decayeth  and  drieth  up, 
so  man  lieth  down,  and  riseth  not  up  till  the  heavens 
shall  be  no  more.  Yet,  Oh  Lord!  have  compassion  on 
the  children  of  thy  creation;  administer  them  com- 
fort in  time  of  trouble;  and  save  them  with  an  ever- 
lasting salvation.     Amen. 


We  read  in  the  Holy  Writings  that  it  was  declared 
in  the  wisdom  and  counsels  of  Deity  aforetime,  that 
a  house  should  be  built,  erected  to  God  and  dedicated 
to  his  holy  name.  We  also  learn  from  the  same 
sacred  source  that  David,  King  of  Israel,  desired  to 
build  the  house,  but  that,  in  consequence  of  his 
reign  having  been  one  of  many  wars  and  much 
bloodshed,  that  distinguished  privilege  was  denied 
him.  He  was  not,  however,  left  without  hope,  for 
God  promised  him  that  out  of  his  loins  there  should 
come  a  man  who  would  be  adequate  to  the  perform- 
ance of  so  great  and  glorious  an  undertaking.  That 
promise  was  verified  in  the  person  and  character  of 
Solomon,  his  son,  who  ascended  the  throne,  and, 
after  David  was  gathered  to  his  fathers,  wielded  the 
sceptre  over  Israel  at  a  time  when  (as  the  great 
Jewish  historian,  Josephus,  informs  us),  peace  and 
tranquility  pervaded  the  world,  and  all  eyes  seemed 
directed  toward  Jerusalem,  as  if  to  witness  the 
splendid  display  of  the  wisdom  of  Solomon. 

About  this  time  King  Solomon  received  a  con- 
gratulatory letter  from  Hiram,  King  of  Tyre,  desir- 
ing to  participate,  in  a  small  degree  at  least,  in  the 


304  MONITORIAL   WORK 

rich  honors  which  then  seemed  to  be  clustering 
around  his  throne.  In  his  reciprocations  with  Hiram 
of  Tyre,  King  Solomon  desired  him  to  furnish  a  man 
well  skilled  in  the  arts  and  sciences,  and  his  atten- 
tion was  directed  to      *      *      * 


The  third  section  illustrates  certain  hieroglyphical 
emblems  well  calculated  to  increase  knowledge  and 
promote  virtue.  In  it,  also,  many  particulars  relative 
to  the  building  of  King  Solomon 's  Temple  are 
noticed.  That  famous  fabric,  as  I  before  informed 
you,  was  commenced  in  the  fourth  year  of  the  reign 
of  Solomon,  on  the  second  day  of  the  month  Zif, 
being  the  second  month  of  the  sacred  year.  It  was 
located  on  Mount  Moriah,  near  the  place  where 
Abraham  was  about  to  offer  up  his  son  Isaac,  and 
where  David  met  and  appeased  the  destroying  angel. 
It  was  supported  by  fourteen  hundred  and  fifty- 
three  columns  and  two  thousand  nine  hundred  and 
six  pilasters,  all  hewn  from  the  finest  Parian  marble. 
There  were  employed  in  its  erection  three  Grand 
Masters,  three  thousand  three  hundred  Masters  or 
Overseers  of  the  work,  eighty  thousand  Fellow 
Crafts  or  hewers  on  the  mountains  and  in  the  quar- 
rier,  and  seventy  thousand  Entered  Apprentices  or 
bearers  of  burdens;  and  these  were  also  classed  and 
arranged  by  the  wisdom  of  Solomon  that  neither 
envy,  discord,  nor  confusion  was  suffered  to  inter- 
rupt or  disturb  the  peace  and  good  fellowships  which 
prevailed   among   the   workmen;      ****** 


MONITORIAL    WORK  305 

and,  as  a  striking  evidence  of  the  approbation  and 
interposition  of  Divine  Providence,  we  are  informed 
by  the  great  Jewish  historian  Josephus  that,  although 
more  than  seven  years  were  occupied  in  its  building, 
yet  during  the  whole  term  it  did  ont  rain  in  the  day 
time,  but  in  the  night  season  only,  that  the  workmen 
might  not  be  obstructed  in  their  labors.  From 
sacred  history  we  also  learn  that  there  was  not  heard 
the  sound  of  axe,  hammer,  or  any  tool  of  iron  in 
the  house  while  it  was  building,  it  having  been  put 
together  in  the  manner  described  to  you  in  a  pre- 
ceding degree. 


7iJ.  '  5|1     3.  W.\  S.\  B. 


The  hieroglyphical  emblems  explained  in  this  de- 
gree are: — 

The  Three  Steps: 

The  Pot  of  Incense: 

The  Bee-hive: 

The  Book  of  Constitutions,  guarded  by  the  Tyler 's 
Sword: 

The  Sword,  pointing  to  a  Naked  Heart,  and  the 
All-seeing  eye: 

The  Anchor  and  Ark: 

The  forty-seventh  Problem  of  Euclid:  and 

The  Hour-glass  and  Scythe. 

The  explanation  of  these  eight  classes  is  to  be 
found  in  any  of  the  various  monitors  which  have, 
from  time  to  time,  been  adopted  by  the  fraternity  as 
text-books,  and  with  which  it  is  hoped  that  you  will 
soon  make  yourself  familiar. 


306  MONITORIAL   WORK 


I  ]A  I  SANATION   OF   THE   EIGHT   CLASSES  OF 
EMBLEMS. 


The  Three  Steps 

Usually  delineated  upon  the  Master's  carpet  are 
emblematical  of  the  three  principal  stages  of  human 
life,  viz.:  Youth,  Manhood,  and  Age.  In  Youth,  as 
Entered  Apprentices,  we  ought  industriously  to  oc- 
cupy our  minds  in  the  attainment  of  useful  knowl- 
edge; in  Manhood,  as  Fellow  Crafts,  we  should  apply 
our  knowledge  to  the  discharge  of  our  respective 
duties  to  God,  our  neighbor,  and  ourselves;  that  so, 
in  Age,  as  Master  Masons,  we  may  enjoy  the  happy 
reflection  consequent  on  a  w^ell-spent  life,,  and  die 
in  the  hope  of  a  glorious  immortality. 

The  Pot  of  Incense 

Is  an  emblem  of  a  pure  heart,  which  is  always  an 
acceptable  sacrifice  to  the  Deity;  and,  as  this  glows 
with  fervent  heat,  so  should  our  hearts  continually 
glow  wTith  gratitude  to  the  great  and  beneficient 
Author  of  our  existence,  for  the  manifold  blessings 
and  comforts  we  enjoy. 

The  Bee-hive 

Is  an  emblem  of  industry,  and  recommends  the 
practice  of  that  virtue  to  all  created  beings,  from  the 
highest  seraph  in  heaven,  to  the  lowest  reptile  of  the 
dust.  It  teaches  us,  that  as  we  came  into  the  world 
rational  and  intelligent  beings,  so  we  should  ever 
be  industrious  ones;  never  sitting  down  contented 
while  our  fellow-creatures  around  us  are  in  want, 
especially  when  it  is  in  our  power  to  relieve  them 
without  inconvenience  to  ourselves. 


MONITORIAL   WORK  307 

'  When  we  make  a  survey  of  nature,  we  view  man 
in  his  infancy,  more  helpless  and  indigent  than  the 
brute  creation;  he  lies  languishing  for  days,  months 
and  years,  totally  incapable  of  providing  sustenance 
for  himself,  of  guarding  against  the  attack  of  the 
wild  beasts  of  the  field,  or  sheltering  himself  from 
the  inclemencies  of  the  weather.  It  might  have 
pleased  the  great  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth  to  have 
made  man  independent  of  all  other  beings;  but  as 
dependence  is  one  of  the  strongest  bonds  of  society, 
mankind  were  made  dependent  on  each  other  for 
protection  and  security,  as  they  thereby  enjoy  better 
opportunities  of  fulfilling  the  duties  of  reciprocal 
love  and  friendship.  Thus  was  man  formed  for 
social  and  active  life,  the  noblest  part  of  the  work  of 
God;  and  he  that  will  so  demean  himself,  as  not  to 
be  endeavoring  to  add  to  the  common  stock  of 
knowledge  and  understanding,  may  be  deemed  a 
drone  jn  the  hive  of  nature,  a  useless  member  of 
society,  and  unworthy  of  our  protection*  as  Masons. 
The  Book  of  Constitutions,  Guarded  by  the  Tyler's 

Sword, 

Eeminds  us  that  we  should  be  ever  watchful  and 
guarded  in  our  thoughts,  words  and  actions,  par- 
ticularly when  before  the  enemies  of  Masonry;  ever 
bearing  in  remembrance  those  truly  Masonic  virtues, 
silence  and  circumspection. 

The  Sword, 
Pointing  to  a  Naked  Heart, 

Demonstrates  that  justice  will  sooner  or  later 
overtake  us;  and  although  our  thoughts,  words  and 
actions  may  be  hidden  from  the  eyes  of  man,  yet  that 


308  MONITORIAL   WORK 

All-seeing  Eye, 

Whom  the  Sun,  Moon  and  Stars  obey,  and  under 
whose  watchful  care,  even  Comets  perform  their 
stupendous  revolutions,  pervades  the  inmost  recesses 
of  the  human  Heart,  and  will  reward  us  according 
to  our  merits. 

The  Anchor  and  the  Ark 

Are  emblems  of  a  well-grounded  hope,  and  a  well 
spent  life.  They  are  emblematical  of  that  divine 
Ark,  which  safely  wafts  us  over  this  tempestuous 
sea  of  troubles,  and  that  Anchor  which  shall  safely 
moor  us  in  a  peaceful  harbor,  where  the  wicked 
cease  from  troubling,  and  the  weary  shall  find  rest. 

The  Forty-seventh  Problem  of  Euclid. 

This  was  an  invention  of  our  ancient  friend  and 
brother,  the  great  Pythagoras,  who,  in  his  travels 
through  Asia,  Africa  and  Europe,  was  initiated  into 
several  orders  of  Priesthood,  and  raised  to  the 
sublime  degree  of  Master  Mason.  This  wise  phil- 
osopher enriched  his  mind  abundantly  in  a  general 
knowledge  of  things,  and  more  especially  in  Geo- 
metry, or  Masonry.  On  this  subject  he  drew  out 
many  problems  and  theorems;  and  among  the  most 
distinguished,  he  erected  this,  which,  in  the  joy  of 
his  heart,  he  called  Eureka,  in  the  Grecian  language 
signifying,  I  have  found  it;  and  upon  the  discovery 
of  which  he  is  said  to  have  sacrificed  a  hecatomb.  It 
teaches  Masons  to  be  general  lovers  of  the  arts  and 
sciences. 

The  Hour-Glass 

Is  an  emblem  of  human  life.  Behold!  how  swiftly 
the  sands  run,  and  how  rapidly  our  lives  are  drawing 


MONITORIAL   WORK  309 

to  n  close!  We  cannot  without  astonishment  behold 
the  little  particles  which  are  contained  in  this 
machine; — how  they  pass  away  almost  imperceptibly! 
and  yet,  to  our  surprise,  in  the  short  space  of  an 
hour  they  are  all  exhausted.  Thus  wastes  man! 
To-day,  he  puts  forth  the  tender  leaves  of  hope; 
to-morrow,  blossoms,  and  bears  his  blushing  honors 
thick  upon  him;  the  next  day  comes  a  frost  which 
nips  the  shoot;  and  when  he  thinks  his  greatness  is 
still  aspiring,  he  falls,  like  autumn  leaves,  to  enrich 
our  mother  earth. 

The  Scythe 

Is  an  emblem  of  time  which  cuts  the  brittle  thread 
of  life,  and  launches  us  into  eternity.  Behold!  what 
havoc  the  sythe  of  time  makes  among  the  human 
race!  If  by  chance  we  should  escape  the  numerous 
evil  incident  to  childhood  and  youth,  and  with 
health  and  vigor  arrive  to  the  years  of  manhood; 
yet,  withal,  we  must  soon  be  cut  down  by  the  all- 
devouring  scythe  of  time,  and  be  gathered  into  the 
land  where  our  fathers  have  gone  before  us. 


It  is  the  inspiration  of  that  great  Divinity  whom 
we  adore,  and  bears  the  nearest  resemblance  or 
affinity  to  that  Supreme  Intelligence  which  pervades 
all  nature,  and  which  will  never,  never,  never  die. 
Hence,  my  brother,  how  important  it  is  that  we 
should  endeavor  to  imitate  *  *  *  in  his  truly 
exalted  and  exemplary  character,  in  his  unfeigned 
piety  to  God,  and  in  his  inflexible  fidelity  to  his  trust; 
that  we  may  be  prepared  to  welcome  death,  not  as 
a  grim  tyrant,  but  as  a  kind  messenger  sent  to 
translate  us  from  this  imperfect  to  that  all  perfect, 


310 


MONITORIAL   WORK 


glorious  and  celestial  Lodge  above,  where  the 
Supreme  Grand  Master  of  the  Universe  forever 
presides. 


CHARGE. 

My  Brother: — Your  zeal  for  our  institution,  the 
progress  which  you  have  made  in  our  mysteries,  and 
your  steady  conformity  to  our  useful  regulations, 
have  pointed  you  out  as  a  proper  object  for  this 
peculiar  mark  of  our  favor. 

Duty  and  honor  now  alike  bind  you  to  be  faithful 
to  every  trust;  to  support  the  dignity  of  your  char- 
acter on  all  occasions;  and  strenuously  to  enforce, 
by  precept  and  example,  a  steady  obedience  to  the 
tenets  of  Freemasonry.  Exemplary  conduct  on  your 
part  will  convince  the  world  that  merit  is  the  just 
title  to  our  privileges,  and  that  on  you  our  favors 
Jiave  not  been  undeservedly  bestowed. 

As  a  Master  Mason  you  are  authorized  to  correct 
the  irregularities  of  your  less*  informed  brethren,  to 
fortify  their  minds  with  resolution  against  the  snares 
of  the  insidious,  and  to  guard  them  against  every 
allurement  to  vicious  practices.  To  preserve  unsul- 
lied the  reputation  of  the  Fraternity  ought  to  be 
your  constant  care;  and,  therefore,  it  becomes  your 
province  to  caution  the  inexperienced  against  any 
breach  of  fidelity.  To  your  inferiors  in  rank  or 
office  you  are  to  recommend  obedience  and  sub- 
mission; to  your  equals,  courtesy  and  affability;  and 
to  your  superiors,  kindness  and  condescension. 
Universal  benevolence  you  are  zealously  to  inculcate; 
and  by  the  regularity  of  your  own  conduct  endeavor 
to  remove  every  aspersion  against  this  venerable 
Institution.     Our  ancient  landmarks  you  are  care- 


MONITORIAL    WORK  311 

fully  to  preserve,  and  never  to  suffer  them,  on  any 
pretense,  to  be  infringed;  and  you  are  never  to 
countenance  any  deviation  from  our  established  cus- 
toms. 

Your  honor  and  reputation  are  concerned  in  sup- 
porting with  dignity  the  respectable  character  which 
you  now  bear.  Let  no  motive,  therefore,  make  you 
swerve  from  your  duty,  violate  your  vows,  or  betray 
your  trust;  but  be  true  and  faithful,  and  imitate  the 
example  of  that  celebrated  artist  whom  you  have 
this  evening  represented.  Thus  you  will  render 
yourself  deserving  of  the  honor  which  we  have 
conferred,  and  worthy  of  the  confidence  which  we 
have  reposed  in  you. 

CLOSING. 


DECISIONS  OF  THE   GRAND  LODGE 


Section  1.  This  Grand  Lodge  can  give  no  count- 
enance or  support  to  any  foreign  Grand  Lodge  to  a 
right  to  grant  charters  for  Lodges  in  any  of  the 
territory  of  the  United  States  of  America.  (See 
Sec.  20.)  Vol.  I,  p.  108. 

Sec.  2.  There  is  no  appeal  from  the  decision  of 
the  Grand  Master  in  any  matter  coming  before  him 
for  his  decision  in  Grand  Lodge;  and  the  same  rule 
obtains  with  the  Master  of  a  subordinate  Lodge 
over  which  he  presides,  or  with  any  other  officer 
while  presiding.     (See  Sees.  119  and  485.) 

Vol.  I,  p.  108. 

Sec.  3.  From  immemorial  usage,  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter of  a  Grand  Lodge  has  power  to  assemble  Masons 
and  confer  degrees  upon  a  candidate  at  pleasure. 
(See  Sees.  13  and  24.) 

Vol.  I,  p.  108.    Eescinded,  Vol.  II,  p.  121. 

Sec.  4.  No  member  of  a  Lodge  can  be  required  to 
divulge  his  vote  on  balloting  for  a  candidate  for  the 
degrees  of  Masonry,  or  for  membership,  or  to  assign 
reasons  for  his  vote,  if  known.  Vol.  I,  p.  108. 

Sec.  5.  One  negative  defeats  the  candidate;  and 
when  a  single  negative  appears,  the  presiding  officer 
must  cause  a  second  ballot  to  be  forthwith  taken, 
with  a  view  of  correcting  a  mistake;  provided,  that, 
if,  upon  the  state  of  the  vote  being  declared,  a 
member  shall  announce  to  the  Lodge  that  he  has 
voted  contrary  to  his  intention  by  accident,  the  bal- 
lot may  be  retaken  for  correction.      Vol.  I,  p.  108. 


313 


Sec.  6.  The  degrees  of  Masonry  should  not  be 
conferred  upon  any  one  whose  physical  deformity 
is  such  that  he  cannot  acquire  a  knowledge,  and 
impart  to  others  the  secrets  of  the  Craft,  according 
to  the  Eules  of  the  Order.  (See  Eegulation  No.  11; 
also  Sec.  921.)  Vol.  I,  p.  108. 

Sec.  7.  The  jurisdiction  of  a  Grand  Lodge  is 
usually  conceded  to  be  the  boundary  of  the  State  or 
Territory  where  such  Grand  Lodge  is  located,  but 
extending  to  other  States  or  Territories  where  no 
Grand  Lodge  exists.  Vol.  I,  p.  122. 

Sec.  8.  Proficiency,  without  regard  to  the  time  of 
probation,  should  be  the  requisite  to  enable  a  brother 
to  progress.  Vol.  I,  p.  188;  Vol.  V,  p.  363. 

Sec.  9.  No  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  receive 
lectures  from  any  person,  as  the  authorized  work, 
unless  under  the  sanction  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  Grand 
Master,  or  Grand  Lecturer.  Vol.  I,  p.  192. 

Sec.  10.  It  is  the  sense  of  the  Grand  Lodge  that 
the  funds  of  Subordinate  Lodges  should  not  be  used 
for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  jewels,  or  other 
appropriate  mementoes  to  be  presented  to  dis- 
tinguished brethren,  and  is  therefore  prohibited. 
(See  Eegulation  59.)  Vol.  II,  p.  241. 

Sec.  11.  All  chartered  Lodges,  hereafter,  in  issu- 
ing any  and  all  notices  or  other  documents  there- 
from, shall  attach  the  Lodge  seal  thereto;  otherwise 
they  shall  not  be  acted  on  by  the  Lodge  to  whom 
sent;  and  all  returns  and  other  papers  returnable  to 
the  Grand  Lodge  shall  bear  such  impress.  (See  Sec. 
7,  Art.  II,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution.) 

Vol.  I,  p.  243. 

Sec.  12.  In  regard  to  a  brother  not  paying  his 
just   debts:    all  Masons  should  be   moral   men,   and 


314 


consequently  must  avoid  any  ill  behavior  that  will 
tend  to  bring  reproach  upon  themselves,  or  our 
ancient  and  honorable  Institution;  and  that  it  is  the 
duty  of  all  subordinate  Lodges  to  impose  on  their 
respective  members  the  absolute  necessity  of  con- 
forming  to  all  the  rules  and  regulations  of  Free- 
masonry. Vol.  II,  p.  256. 

Sec.  13.  It  is  the  sense  of  the  Grand  Lodge  that 
the  Grand  Master  is  but  the  creature  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  with  no  implied  powers  inherent  or  divine. 

Vol.  I,  p.  264. 

Sec.  14.  It  is  competent  for  a  Grand  Lodge  to  try 
its  Grand  Master  for  a  misdemeanor  in  office,  and  to 
deal  with  him  as  the  nature  of  the  offense  may  re- 
quire; which  action  will  comprehend  what  is  under- 
stood by  li  A  New  Eegulation. '  '  Vol.  I,  p.  264. 

Sec.  15.  No  Lodge  under  this  jurisdiction  shall 
ballot  for  conferring  any  degree,  or  approve  its 
records  at  any  other  time  than  a  stated  meeting. 

Vol.  I,  p.  308. 

Sec.  16.  A  petition  for  initiation  or  membership, 
presented  to  a  Lodge,  immediately  becomes  the  prop- 
erty of  the  Lodge,  and  can  on  no  consideration  be 
withdrawn;  but  a  ballot  must,  in  all  cases,  be  had 
on  the  report  of  the  committee.  (See  Const.,  Sec.  3, 
Art.  Ill,  Part  III.)  Vol.1,  p.  312. 

Sec.  17.  The  practice  of  dueling  is  repugnant  to 
the  principles  of  Freemasonry,  and  in  all  cases  where 
two  brethren  resort  to  this  method  of  settling  their 
disputes,  it  becomes  the  duty  of  the  Lodge,  or 
Lodges,  of  which  they  are  members,  or  under  whose 
jurisdiction  they  may  be,  forthwith  to  expel  them 
from  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  sub- 
ject to  the  conformation  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  and 


315 


no  brother  who  may  fall  in  a  duel  shall  be  buried 
with  Masonic  honors.  Vol.  I,  p.  313;  Vol.  II,  p.  114. 

Sec.  18.  The  future  establishment  of  subordinate 
Lodges  by  this  Grand  Lodge  should  be  restricted  to 
cases  of  manifest  propriety  and  necessity. 

Vol.  I,  p.  313. 

Sec.  19.  The  use  of  Masonic  emblems  upon  sign- 
boards is  unmasonic,  and  in  open  violation  of  the 
spirit  of  Freemasonry.     (See  Vol.  XIV,  p.  563.) 

Vol.  I,  p.  314. 

Sec.  20.  It  is  the  sense  of  this  Grand  Lodge  that 
all  persons  claiming  to  hold  Masonic  Lodges  in  the 
United  States  or  its  Territories,  within  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  any  State  or  Territory, 
without  authority  from  such  Grand  Lodge,  are 
illegal  and  clandestine.  Vol.  II,  p.  338. 

Sec.  21.  The  degrees  conferred  without  the  lec- 
tures are  incomplete,  and  the  Grand  Lodge  hereby 
requires  the  lectures  to  be  always  given. 

Vol.  I,  p.  331. 

Sec.  22.  The  stern  morality  of  Masonry  is  prac- 
ticable. The  influence  of  the  Grand  Lodge  is 
pledged  to  sustain  it,  and  all  subordinate  Lodges 
are  recommended  to  see  that  their  members  exem- 
plify the  same  in  their  lives  and  conduct. 

Vol.  I,  p.  332. 

Sec.  23.  The  suspension  or  expulsion  of  a  brother 
from  a  Eoyal  Arch  Chapter,  or  an  Encampment  of 
Knights  Templar,  shall  not  operate  as  an  expulsion 
from  the  Lodge  of  which  he  is  a  member. 

Vol.  I,  p.  333. 

Sec.  24.  This  Grand  Lodge  does  not  acknowledge 
the  doctrine  that  a  Grand  Master  may  make  Masons 
at  sight,  or  at  will,  except  in  a  regular  Lodge,  by 


316 


the  unanimous  consent  of  the  members  thereof  pres- 
ent; and  that,  in  its  opinion,  Grand  Masters  possess 
no  powers  except  those  contained  in  the  Constitu- 
tion of  Masonry,  and  those  clearly  and  expressly 
delegated  to  them  by  their  brethren. 

Vol.  II,  pp.  94,  107. 

Sec.  25.  The  Grand  Master  of  Masons  of  the 
State  of  California  may  hereafter  be  proceeded 
against  and  tried  for  unmasonic  conduct.  (See 
Const.,  Sec.  1  to  7,  Art.  I,  Part  IV.) 

Vol.  II,  pp.  95,  107. 

Sec.  26.  The  right,  so  called,  to  visit  Masonically, 
is  not  an  absolute  right,  but  is  a  favor  which  every 
lawful  Mason  in  good  standing  is  entitled  to  ask, 
and  which  the  Lodge  may  concede  or  refuse,  at 
their  discretion;  and  that  no  Master  of  a  Lodge 
under  this  jurisdiction  shall  admit  a  visitor  when 
I  positive  objection  to  such  admission  is  made  by  a 
regular  member;  in  which  case  the  Master,  in  his 
discretion,   may  admit   or  reject   the   visitor. 

Vol.  II,  p.  9;  Vol.  Ill,  p.  124. 

Sec.  27.  The  Grand  Lodge  having  recognized  the 
principle  that  no  man  shall  be  initiated  into  the 
mysteries  of  our  Order,  except  in  the  Lodge  nearest 
his  place  of  residence,  unless  by  the  proper  permis- 
sion; and  having,  by  an  established  regulation, 
taken  care  to  avoid  infringing  upon  the  jurisdic- 
tional rights  of  others,  will  not  tolerate  that  its  own 
be  invaded;  it  is  therefore  ordered  that  no  Lodge 
subordinate  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  California  shall 
admit  or  receive  to  Masonic  communication,  in  any 
form  whatever,  any  person  who,  being  at  the  time 
a  resident  of  this  State,  has  received,  or  claims  to 
\\;\\v    received    the    degrees    of    Masonry    from    any 


317 


source  beyond  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand  Lodge, 
without  proper  permission  from  the  Lodge  nearest 
his  place  of  residence;  provided,  however,  that  any 
Mason  thus  irregularly  made  may  be  healed  by  such 
Lodge,  after  a  petition  for  that  purpose  shall  have 
been  presented  and  acted  upon  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed for  initiation,  and  by  a  unanimous  ballot. 

The  last  part  of  this  section,  embracing  the  pro- 
viso, was  changed  by  the  action  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
in  1857,  so  as  to  read: — "until  he  shall  have  paid 
into  the  hands  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge  to 
which  he  applies  for  membership,  the  full  amount 
charged  by  that  Lodge  for  conferring  the  degrees, 
less  the  sum  paid  by  him  to  the  Lodge  in  which  he 
received  them. ' '  (See  Const.,  Sec.  19,  Art.  Ill,  Part 
III.)  The  matter  alluded  to  in  this  section  has  since 
been  made  a  part  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand 
Lodge;  and  the  proper  mode  of  procedure  is  clearly 
indicated  in  Section  19,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  that 
instrument.  The  party  must  apply  to  the  Lodge 
nearest  his  residence  by  conforming  in  all  respects 
to  the  requirements  for  obtaining  the  degrees,  just 
as  if  he  had  not  received  the  degrees  elsewhere. 
These  requirements  include  the  payment  of  the  fee 
required  of  those  who  have  never  received  the 
degrees. — J.  W.  A. 

Vol.  II,  pp.  95,  108;  Vol.  HI,  p.  118;  Vol.  VI,  p. 
349. 

Sec.  28.  This  Grand  Lodge  recognizes  no  degree 
of  Present  or  Past  Master  conferred  by  any  author- 
ity not  holden  under  a  legitimate  Grand  Lodge; 
acknowledging  only  the  Order  of  that  name  as  it 
exists  in  the  ceremonies  attending  the  installation 
of  the  Master  elect  of  a  chartered  Lodge;  which 
Order  shall  be  conferred  only  by  a  convocation  of 


3J8 


Present  or  Past  Masters  not  less  than  three  in  num- 
ber, who  have  thus  regularly  received  it.  (See  Regu- 
lations Nos.  1  and  73.)  Vol.  II,  pp.  95, 108, 117. 

Sec.  29.  A  Lodge  under  dispensation  is  but  a 
temporary  and  inchoate  body,  and  is  not  entitled  to 
representation  in  the  Grand  Lodge.  (See  Const., 
Sec.  3,  Art  II,  Part  III.)  Vol.  II,  pp.  95, 108. 

Sec.  30.  In  the  absence  of  any  special  enactment 
on  the  subject,  the  advancement  of  Apprentices  or 
Fellowcrafts,  after  they  have  been  rejected,  should 
be  governed  by  the  principle  which  regulates  peti- 
tions for  initiations;  this  principle  requires  a  proba- 
tion of  one  year.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  104. 

Sec.  31.  No  subordinate  Lodge  under  this  juris- 
diction shall  suspend  a  member  for  a  definite  period; 
but  all  suspensions  shall  simply  be  recorded  that 
the  offender  "be  and  is  hereby  suspended  from  all 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry." 

Vol.  II,  p.  120. 

Sec.  32.  Masonry  is  not  only  not  especially  a 
Christian  Order;  it  is  not  a  religious  one  at  all,  ex- 
cept in  so  far  as  it  requires  a  belief  in  the  existence 
and  omnipotence  of  a  Supreme  Being,  and  the  ob- 
servance of  the  moral  law.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  105. 

Sec.  33.  It  is  not  absolutely  necessary  that  the 
Master  of  a  Lodge  should  have  previously  served 
as  a  Warden.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  118 

Sec.  34.  No  Mason  should  hold  Masonic  com- 
munication with  any  person  until  he  is  satisfied  fully 
and  beyond  a  doubt  that  that  person  is  a  brother; 
nor  should  one  Lodge  commune  with  another  until 
it  has  assurance  that  that  other  has  been  properly 
established  and  has  a  legal  existence;  and  a  brother 
who  visits  a  Lodge  styling  itself  as  one  of  Masons 


319 


without  being  satisfied  of  its  lawful  authority  to 
meet  and  work,  does  that  which  shows  a  total  dis- 
regard of  those  teachings  which  he  received  at  the 
very  threshold  of  our  Institution.    Vol.  Ill,  p.  119. 

Sec.  35.  A  Lodge  makes  a  just  demand  in  claim- 
ing the  fees  accruing  upon  the  initiation,  passing 
and  raising  by  another  Lodge  of  individuals  whose 
residence  relatively  to  the  Lodge  complaining,  is 
within  a  point  midway  between  the  two. 

Vol.  Ill,  p.  127. 

Sec.  36.  The  "Side  Degrees,"  so  called,  form  no 
part  of  legitimate  Masonry,  and  the  conferring  of 
them  in  Masonic  Lodge  rooms  is  discountenanced  by 
the  Grand  Lodge.  (The  last  clause  of  this  decision 
is  now  practically  obsolete — J.  W.  A.) 

Vol.  ni,  p.  311. 

Sec.  37.     There  is  nothing  in  the  Constitution  or 
laws  of  Masonry  which  prohibits  a  second  trial  for 
the  same  offense.     (These  decisions  have  been  over- 
ruled.    See  Sees.  532  and  550.) 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  317;  Vol.  IV,  pp.  311,  363;  Vol.  XI,  p.  466. 

Sec.  38.  The  prerogative  of  the  Grand  Master  to 
grant  dispensations  for  conferring  the  degrees  in 
less  time  than  that  provided  for  in  the  Constitution, 
is  not  doubted  by  the  Grand  Lodge;  nor  is  his  pre- 
rogative to  grant  dispensations  for  a  re-ballot  upon 
rejected  candidates  within  the  time  prescribed  in 
the  Constitution.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  325. 

Sec.  39.  A  Lodge  has  no  power  to  levy  extra 
assessments  upon  its  members.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  328. 

Sec.  40.  No  Lodge  shall  admit  a  brother  to  mem- 
bership until  he  shall  have  deposited  with  the  Sec- 
retary his  dimit  from  the  Lodge  of  which  he  was 
last  a  member,  or  shall  have  presented  in  writing, 


320 


to   be   filed   by   the    Secretary,    good   and   sufficient 
reasons  for  not  being  able  to  do  so. 

Vol.  Ill,  p.  346. 

Sec.  41.  It  is  not  necessary  that  it  should  appear 
in  the  face  of  the  summons  or  by  the  proceedings 
of  the  Lodge  that  the  summons  was  given  by  the 
order  of  the  W.M.  The  rule  merely  requires  the 
Secretary,  in  serving  the  summons,  to  act  under  the 
direction  of  the  Master.  Vol.  IV.  p.  97. 

Sec.  42.  No  Lodge  under  this  jurisdiction  is  al- 
lowed to  transact  business,  other  than  the  conferring 
of  degrees,  with  a  less  number  than  seven  members 
present.  Vol.  IV,  p.  107. 

Sec.  43.  Mistakes  in  balloting  may  and  should  be 
rectified,  and  that,  too,  as  speedily  as  possible;  but 
the  most  unmistakable  proofs  should  be  presented 
that  the  dark  ballots  were  really  deposited  in  error. 
Where  it  apears  evident  that  a  black  ball  has  been 
carelessly  dropped,  when  a  white  one  was  intended, 
or  when  it  is  shown  that  a  negative  vote  has  been 
cast  under  a  misapprehension  as  to  the  name  or 
identity  of  the  candidate,  justice  requires  a  correc- 
tion of  the  error.  Such  cases,  unless  corrected  im- 
mediately, should  take  the  usual  course,  when  a  re- 
ballot  is  desired,  and  be  referred  to  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter, with  all  the  necessary  evidence,  for  his  dispen- 
sation, if  he  deem  one  proper.  It  should  not  be 
permitted  to  Lodges  to  take  liberties  with  the  law, 
however  good  the  motive.  Vol.  IV,  p.  107. 

Sec.  44.  The  occasion  should  be  rare  indeed  when 
the  funds  dedicated  to  charity  and  beneficience, 
should  be  permitted  to  be  diverted  into  any  other 
channel.  -  Vol.  IV,  p.  110. 


321 


Sec.  45.  The  power  to  cast  adverse  ballots  must 
be  free  and  unquestioned,  or  the  ballot-box  will 
cease  to  express  the  wishes  of  the  members  of  a 
Lodge.  Whatever  evils  may  arise  from  the  too  free 
use  of  black  balls,  they  must  be  less  than  those 
which  would  spring  from  an  unmasonic  inquisition 
into  the  motives  that  caused  them  to  be  cast,  or 
from  authorized  attempts  to  discover  and  censure 
those  who  cast  them.  Vol.  IV,  p.  114. 

Sec.  46.  There  is  no  difference  between  a  tempor- 
ary sojourn  under  a  Lodge  in  this,  and  under  one 
of  another  jurisdiction.  Vol.  IV,  p.  117. 

Sec.  47.  In  all  cases  of  a  tie  vote  (except  by 
ballot),  the  Master,  in  addition  to  his  proper  vote, 
has  the  right  to  give  the  casting  vote. 

Vol.  IV,  p.  118. 

Sec.  48.  A  charter  should  not  be  granted  to  any 
Lodge  until  it  affirmatively  appears,  in  a  clear  and 
positive  manner,  that  there  is  a  population  within 
its  jurisdiction  sufficient  to  afford  the  requisite  num- 
ber of  contributing  members  and  unworked  material, 
whereby  to  enable  it  to  have  sufficient  pecuniary  re- 
sources to  support  the  character  and  dignity  of  the 
Lodge.  Vol.  IV,  p.  120. 

Sec.  49.  A  Master  has  power  to  issue  a  summons 
whenever  the  business  of  the  Lodge  requires  it,  with- 
out the  order  of  the  Lodge;  and  a  brother  receiving 
such  summons  has  no  right  to  question  its  legality 
and  refuse  to  obey  it.  To  admit  this  right  would 
be  to  destroy  its  efficiency.  Vol.  IV,  p.  353. 

Sec.  50.  Those  who  hear  the  testimony  of  wit- 
nesses have  peculiar  oportunities  of  judging  of  their 
credibility,  and  this  it  is  their  province  to  determine; 
and  when  it  appears  that  positive  proof  to  a  point 


322 


is  not  credited  by  those  who  tried  the  ease,  an  ap- 
pellate tribunal,  which  has  not  the  witnesses  before 
it,  will  never  decide  that  the  triers  should  have  be- 
lieved the  witnesses,  and  on  such  a  ground  reverse 
a  finding.  Vol.  IV,  p.  363. 

Sec.  51.  An  acquittal  is  no  bar  to  a  second  trial 
for  the  same  offense.  (Overruled,  see  Sees.  532  and 
550.)  Vol.  IV,  p.  3.63. 

Sec.  52,  There  is  no  doubt  but  that  the  proper 
rule  for  taking  testimony  is  to  take  the  words  of 
the  witness,  and  not  the  substance  of  what  he  says, 
as  understood  by  those  engaged  in  taking  it.  There 
is  always  room  for  construction  of  testimony,  and 
that  construction  shall  always  be  given  by  those 
who  shall  pass  upon  it,  and  not  by  those  who  com- 
mit it  to  writing.  Vol.  IV,  p.  363. 

Sec.  53.  It  is  too  late  to  challenge  the  Commis- 
sioners after  they  have  assembled  for  trial. 

Vol.  IV,  p.  363;  Vol.  X,  p.  584. 
Sec.   54.     The   accused  being  a  member  in  good 
standing  of  the  Lodge,  has  a  right  to  be  present  in 
the  Lodge  during  the  election  of  Commissioners. 

Vol.  IV,  p.  364. 

Sec.  55.  A  notification  should  be  served  in  the 
same  maner  as  a  summons.  Vol.  IV,  p.  364. 

Sec.  56.  The  announcement  by  the  Master  at  a 
stated  meeting;  that  all  the  members  were  summoned 
to  appear  at  a  certain  time,  would  not  be  a  service 
of  the  summons  upon  all  the  members  of  the  Lodge; 
nor  would  the  publication  of  a  summons  in  the 
newspapers  be  so  regarded.  Such  announcement  or 
publication  is  not  due  notification.  In  a  case  of 
charges  preferred  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Master  to  see 


323 


that  every  member  of  his  Lodge,  who  can  possibly 
be  notified  of  the  meeting,  is  notified  in  due  season. 

Vol.  IV,  p.  364. 

Sec.  57.  The  printed  proceedings  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  attested,  as  they  are,  by  the  seal  and  the 
signature  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  are  quite  sufficient 
to  inform  a  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction  of  the  action 
of  the  grand  Lodge  upon  any  and  all  matters  coming 
before  it  for  consideration  or  adjudication. 

Sec.  58.  There  is  no  better  established  custom  in 
the  Masonry  of  the  United  States,  than  that  the 
Lodge  (or  the  Grand  Lodge  under  whose  jurisdic- 
tion such  Lodge  exists)  which  suspends  or  expels 
a  Mason,  should  alone  have  the  right  to  restore  him. 

Vol.  IV,  p.  373. 

Sec.  59.  In  cases  of  trial,  a  majority  of  the  Com- 
missioners elected  may  proceed  with  the  business 
committed  to  them. 

Vol.  IV,  p.  381;  Vol.  VI,  p.  340. 

Sec.  60.  The  vote  upon  the  finding  and  sentence 
should  be  by  ballot.  Vol.  IV,  p.  381. 

Sec.  61.  A  majority  of  all  the  Commissioners  is 
requisite  for  judgment.  Vol.  IV,  p.  381. 

Sec.  62.  It  is  not  necessary  that  a  Mason  should 
be  a  member  of  the  Lodge  nearest  his  residence. 
He  may  hold  membership,  or  apply  for  it,  wherever 
it  shall  please  him.  (in  this  Stae. — J.  W.  A.)  It 
is  certainly  better  that  he  should  be  a  member  of 
the  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction  he  resides,  but 
there  is  no  law  which  requires  it;  and  to  be  a  mem- 
be*  in  good  standing  in  any  regular  Lodge,  is  to  be 
in  good  standing  everywhere.  (See  Const.,  Sec  L, 
Art.  II,  Part  V.)  Vol.  IV,  p.  381. 


324 


Sec.  63.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  absolute  con- 
trol within  his  Lodge.  Our  ritual  prescribes  that 
none  shall  enter  without  his  permission,  and  he  may 
refuse  admission  to  any  at  his  discretion.  He  may 
even  cause  a  member  of  his  Lodge  to  be  excluded 
or  removed,  but  he  must  recollect  that  there  should 
be  strong  cause  for  the  exercise  of  such  an  act  of 
authority,  and  that  the  Constitution  provides  a  rem- 
edy for  those  who  may  be  aggrieved  by  the  abuse 
of  the  power  which  his  station  temporarily  gives 
him.  Vol.  IV,  p.  381. 

Sec.  64.  A  Mason  may  make  application  for  affili- 
ation as  often  as  it  may  please  him  to  do  so.  The 
rejection  of  his  petition  for  that  purpose  by  a  Lodge, 
simply  implies  that  that  particular  Masonic  family, 
or  some  one  or  more  of  its  members,  has  objection 
to  the  immediate  association,  but  it  does  not  prevent 
him  from  applying  for  membership  to  any  other 
Lodge,  or  to  the  same  one,  at  any  time  thereafter. 
(See  Sec.  697  and  Const.,  Sec.  1,  Art.  II,  Part  V.) 

Vol.  IV,  p.  381. 

Sec.  65.  Suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues  is 
absolute  suspension.  The  disabilities  which  it  in- 
volves under  our  laws,  are  the  same  as  if  the  penalty 
had. been  incurred  by  unmasonic  conduct.  In  fact, 
such  is  really  the  misdemeanor  which  has  induced 
the  punishment,  as  a  violation  of  the  By-Laws  of  a 
Lodge  is  eminently  unmasonic.  The  only  differ- 
ence which  our  Constitution  makes  between  suspen- 
sion for  (so-called)  unmasonic  conduct,  and  suspen- 
sion for  non-payment  of  dues,  is,  that  in  the  first 
case,  it  requires  the  votes  of  two-thirds  of  the  Lodge 
of  which  the  delinquent  was  a  member,  to  effect  his 
restoration,  while  in  the  second,  he  may  restore  him- 


325 


self  by  payment  of  his  arrearages.  (See  Const., 
See.  11,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III.)  Vol.  IV.  p.  381. 

Sec.  66.  The  position  occupied  by  non-affiliated 
Masons  in  this  State  is  plainly  defined  in  the  Con- 
stitution. In  Sec.  1,  Art.  II,  Part  V,  of  that  instru- 
ment, it  is  declared  that  "it  is  the  duty  of  every 
Master  Mason  to  be  a  member  of  some  Lodge,  and 
every  non-affiliated  Mason  who,  having  resided  six 
months  within  this  State,  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to 
make  application  for  membership  to  some  Lodge 
therein,  shall  be  deemed  unworthy  of  Masonic  con- 
sideration, and  shall  not  be  entitled  to,  nor  be  the 
recipient  of,  any  of  the  rights,  privileges  or  charities 
of  the  Order. "  This  is  literally  the  language  of  sus- 
pension, and,  under  this  law,  every  non-affiliated 
Mason,  coming  within  its  purview,  is  absolutely  sus- 
pended until  by  compliance  with  the  alternative 
which  it  provides,  he  shall  choose  to  free  himself 
from  the  disability.  Vol.  IV,  p.  381. 

Sec.  67.  A  notification  by  advertisement  of  a 
meeting  to  elect  commissioners  is  not  a  proper  noti- 
fication.   It  is  the  duty  of  the  Tyler  to  serve  notices. 

Vol.  V,  p.  57. 

Sec.  68.  A  deceased  sojourning  brother,  who  was 
in  good  standing,  is  certainly  entitled  to  Masonic 
burial;  and  if  an  individual  renders  that  last  ser- 
vice, he  may  well  ask  that  his  brethren  and  neigh- 
bors help  him  to  bear  the  burden,  if  so  it  appears 
to  him  to  be.  But  he  can  scarcely  demand  this  as  a 
right.  He  has  done  his  duty,  and  they  ought  to  be 
willing  to  assist  him;  but  let  him  not  detract  from 
the  merits  of  his  charity  by  his  complainings.  God 
loveth  a  cheerful  giver.  Vol.  V,  p.  58. 

Sec.  69.  When  a  brother  found  guilty  of  a  Ma- 
sonic   offonso,    and    sentenced    to    be    reprimanded, 


326 


appeals  from  the  verdict  and  sentence,  such  sentence 
should  not  be  carried  into  effect  until  the  appeal 
shall  have  been  disposed  of  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  (See 
Sec.  493.)  Vol.  V,  pp.  63,  68;  Vol.  XVI,  p.  265. 

Sec.  70.  It  is  well  settled  that  the  Master,  or  one 
of  his  Wardens,  must  be  present  at  every  meeting 
of  the  Lodge.  Vol.  V,  p.  74. 

Sec.  71.  A  Master  may,  if  he  chooses,  omit  a 
portion  of  the  usual  ceremony  of  opening  and  closing 
a  Lodge,  but  no  regulation  authorizes  an  entire 
waiver  of  these  ceremonies.  Vol.  V,  p.  74. 

Sec.  72.  A  Lodge  can  proceed  to  try  a  Master 
Mason,  under  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues, 
for  unmasonic  conduct,  without  restoring  him.  No 
matter  what  the  cause  of  suspension  may  have  been, 
it  is  certainly  within  the  power  of  a  Lodge,  having 
jurisdiction,  to  try  a  suspended  Mason  on  charges 
of  unmasonic  conduct,  and  to  inflict  such  further 
punishment  as  it  may  deem  proper.      Vol.  V,  p.  76. 

Sec.  73.  A  Lodge  cannot  proceed  to  try  for  fur- 
ther unmasonic  conduct  a  Mason  suspended  by  it- 
self, who,  at  the  time  charges  are  preferred  against 
him,  resides  within  the  jurisdiction  of  another  Lodge, 
although  the  offenses  charged  were  committed  while 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  first  named. 
The  proper  plan  to  pursue  would  be  to  prefer  the 
charges  before  the  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction 
the  delinquent  actually  resides,  by  which  he  can  and 
should  be  tried.  From  the  date  of  his  suspension, 
whatever  the  cause  thereof,  his  membership  in  that 
Lodge  ceases,  and  residence  elsewhere  carries  with 
it  jurisdiction.  Vol.  V,  p.  76. 

Sec.  74.  A  subordinate  of  one  Grand  Lodge  has 
not  the  right  to  make  Masons  of  persons  residing 


327 


within  the  jurisdiction  of  another  Grand  Lodge 
without  its  consent.  Grand  Lodges  have  exclusive 
territorial  jurisdiction.  Vol.  V,  p.  344. 

Sec.  75.  Lodges  in  whose  jurisdiction  a  worthy 
non-affiliated  Mason  sickens  and  dies,  should  con- 
tribute to  the  extent  of  their  ability  in  providing 
necessaries  and  comforts  for  his  widow  and  orphans. 

Vol.  V,  p.  355. 

Sec.  76.  A  subordinate  Lodge,  for  good  cause,  in 
the  exercise  of  a  discreet  judgment,  may  remit  dues 
in  favor  of  a  member  suspended  for  non-payment  of 
dues,  in  order  to  restore  him.  (See  Sec.  Ill,  Art. 
Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution.)     Vol.  V,  p.  356. 

Sec.  77.  It  certainly  is  the  right  of  a  brother  upon 
trial  for  unmasonic  conduct  to  make  a  statement  be- 
fore the  commission  assembled  to  try  him;  and  that 
such  statement  should  have  its  weight  before  the 
commission — though  not  as  great  as  that  of  a  dis- 
interested brother — and  it  should  form  part  of  the 
record.  Vol.  V,  p.  367. 

Sec.  78.  The  constitutional  words  requiring  the 
Master  "to  summon  the  accused  to  appear  and  an- 
swer," should  be  construed  differently  in  Masonry 
from  what  it  is  in  the  civil  Courts,  for  Masonic  law 
should  receive  a  more  liberal  construction. 

Vol.  IV,  p.  363;  Vol.  V,  p.  367. 

Sec.  79.  It  is  not  necessary  or  right  to  require  a 
member  who  withdraws,  and  afterwards  desires  to 
affiliate  again  with  the  same  Lodge,  to  pay  dues 
during  the  time  he  was  not  a  member,  in  order  to 
affiliate.  Vol.  V,  p.  368. 

Sec.  80.  It  is  not  necessary,  though  it  would  be 
very  proper,  that  every  Mason  should  apply  for 
affiliation  to   the   Lodge   nearest   his  place   of  resi- 


328 


dence.  It  is  the  right  of  a  Master  Mason  to  affiliate 
where  he  may  choose,  whether  at  the  place  nearest 
his  residence  or  not,  for  our  Constitution  evidently 
conveys  this  meaning  in  the  words,  lt  It  is  the  duty 
of  every  Master  Mason  to  be  a  member  of  some 
Lodge. "  (See  Const.,  Sec.  1,  Art.  II,  Part  V;  also 
Sec.  697,  and  Sec.  721;  also  Sec  8,  Art.  V,  Part  VI, 
Tonst.  This  section  of  the  Constitution  is  now  the 
proper  law  on  this  matter. — J.  W.  A.) 

Vol.  V,  p.  368. 
Sec.  81.  The  right  of  exclusive  jurisdiction  of  a 
Lodge  over  parties  living  nearer  to  its  place  of  meet- 
ing than  to  that  of  any  other  Lodge  in  the  State, 
except  in  towns  or  cities  where  more  than  one  Lodge 
exists,  is  a  provision  of  the  Constitution  which  must 
in  all  cases  be  strictly  observed,  in  order  that  the 
harmony  of  the  Craft  be  not  disturbed.  A  Lodge 
should  know  the  exact  extent  of  its  jurisdiction, 
and  not  rely  for  such  information  upon  the  state- 
ment of  petitioners;  and  if  any  doubt  existed,  cer- 
tainly inquiry  should  be  made  of,  and  consultation 
had  with,  the  neighboring  Lodge  or  Lodges. 

Vol.  V,  p.  374. 

Sec.  82.  A  subordinate  Lodge  may  for  good 
reasons  of  its  own,  release  a  member  from  the  re- 
quirements which  impose  upon  him  active  duties  and 
relieve  him  from  contribution;  but  it  cannot  relieve 
itself  from  its  own  responsibility  assumed  in  bearing 
his  name  upon  the  roll.  The  Lodge  thus  expressing 
towards  a  cherished  brother — its  member — the  esti- 
mation in  which  he  is  held,  may  call  that  act  by 
any  name  it  may  elect,  whether  honorary  or  not. 
There  is  nothing  in  this  jurisdiction  which  justifies 
such  a  Masonic  title.  (See  Sec  11,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III, 
Const.;  also  Sec.  829.)  Vol.  V,  p.  376. 


DECISIONS  329 

Sec.  83.  When  a  brother  has  been  initiated,  has 
remained  upon  the  roll  of  a  Lodge  as  an  E.  A.  over 
two  years,  and  has  been  dropped  from  the  roll,  it  is 
necessary  only  to  require  the  proper  proficiency  to 
enable  the  other  degrees  to  be  conferred  upon  him.* 

Vol.  V,  p.  385. 

Sec.  84.  When  an  objection  has  been  made,  and 
a  committee  appointed  to  investigate  the  causes  of 
objection,  the  committee  is  appointed  to  hear  the 
testimony  that  may  be  adduced,  and  to  inquire  into, 
determine,  and  report  the  facts  to  the  Lodge  for  its 
advisement,  that  it  may  wisely  determine  whether 
or  not  the  objection  is  well  founded;  or,  in  the  lan- 
guage of  the  clause,  whether  or  not  the  clause  is  a 
valid  and  Masonic  one.  That  the  committee  may 
arrive  at  the  facts,  it  must  hear  all  the  testimony, 
as  wrell  for  the  defense  as  the  prosecution.  The 
candidate  is  a  Mason,  and,  before  conviction,  should 
be  heard — should  have  his  day  in  Court.  In  many 
eases  he  should  therefore  be  informed  of  the  objec- 
tion made  against  him,  and  should  be  heard  in  his 
defense.  Vol.  VI,  pp.  13,  110. 

Sec.  85.  When  a  member  of  the  Lodge  has  inter- 
posed an  objection,  stating  the  cause,  and  the  Lodge, 
upon  the  report  of  the  committee,  has  decided  that 
it  is  not  a  '* valid  and  Masonic  one,"  it  is  not  com- 
petent for  the  same  or  another  member  to  interpose 
a  second  objection  for  the  same  cause,  except  on 
the  ground  of  newly  discovered  and  material  evi- 
dence, or  for  acts  subsequently  committed. 

Vol.  VI,  pp.  13,  110. 

*  There  is  now  no  such  thing  as  dropping  an  E.  A.  or  a 
F.  C.  from  the  roll.  They  are  carried  on  the  roll,  and  must 
be  reported  to  the  Grand  Secretary  in  the  same  manner  as 
Master  Masons  are. 


330 


Sec.  86.  Ordinarily  the  Master  of  the  Craft  is 
the  proper  one  to  judge  of  the  fitness  of  the  mater- 
ials of  which  his  building  should  be  composed.  But 
when  the  Lodge  has  decided  that  the  applicant  is 
worthy,  and  the  requisite  proficiency  has  been  at- 
tained, the  Master  should,  if  not  absolutely  con- 
trary to  his  obligation,  proceed  to  confer  the  next 
degree.  Vol.  VI,  pp.  13,  110. 

Sec.  87.  A  suspended  Mason  dying,  while  still 
under  sentence  of  suspension,  cannot  be  restored  by 
any  action  subsequent  to  his  death.    Vol.  VI,  p.  93. 

Sec.  88.  The  fundamental  laws  of  Masonry  re- 
specting its  morality  should  be  construed  strictly, 
though  always  with  charity;  but  in  respect  to  its 
government,  with  liberality,  and  in  the  true  spirit 
of  its  enactments  and  customs.  Vol.  VI,  p.  94. 

Sec.  89.  The  person  who  desires  to  be  made  a 
Mason  must  be  a  man;  no  woman  nor  eunich;  free- 
born,  neither  a  slave  nor  the  son  of  a  bondwoman; 
a  believer  in  God  and  a  future  existence;  of  moral 
conduct;  capable  of  reading  and  writing;  not  de- 
formed or  dismembered,  but  hale  and  sound  in  his 
physical  conformation,  having  his  right  limbs  as  a 
man  ought  to  have;  and  be  able  to  conform  literally 
to  what  the  several  degrees  respectively  require  of 
him.  (The  proper  law  now  is  Eegulation  No.  11. 
See  also  latest  decisions,  Sec.  921.) 

Vol.  VI,  pp.  251,  364. 

Sec.  90.  A  Lodge  is  not  the  proper  place  for  the 
settlement  of  the  business  difficulties  of  the  members, 
or  the  enforcement  of  the  payment  of  debts.  Ex- 
ceptional cases  may  occur,  involving  such  breach  of 
faith  and  turpitude  of  conduct  that  they  should  be 
noticed;  but  they  are  exceptions,  not  the  rule. 

Vol.  VI,  pp.  251,  349. 


331 


Sec.  91.  When  a  member  of  a  Lodge  has  paid 
his  dues,  and  at  a  stated  meeting  announces  his  in- 
tention to  withdraw,  his  membership  ceases;  and  he 
can  become  a  member  again  of  that  Lodge  only  by 
petition  and  ballot,  as  in  the  case  of  any  other  non- 
affiliated Mason.  It  is  not  competent  for  the  Lodge 
by  vote  to  reinstate  him.  Vol.  VI,  pp.  251,  354. 

Sec.  92.  The  Master,  or  any  other  officer  of  a 
Lodge,  may  withdraw  therefrom  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  any  other  member,  and  whatever  may  be-  the 
rule  elsewhere,  our  laws  make  no  distinction. 

Vol.  VI,  pp.  251,  365. 

Sec.  93.  If  a  Mason  forgets  his  duty  to  God,  his 
fellow,  and  himself,  and  commits  suicide,  shall  he 
or  may  he  be  buried  by  his  Lodge  with  Masonic 
honors?  Several  cases  have  occurred  in  which 
suicides  have  been  so  buried.  It  should  not  always 
be  so.  When  a  Mason  has  unfortunately  been  de- 
prived of  that  reason  which  God  has  given  him  to 
enable  him  to  distinguish  between  right  and  wrong, 
and,  being  actually  demented,  deprives  himself  of 
life,  I  see  no  reason  why  he  should  not  be  interred 
with  the  usual  Masonic  honors  and  ceremonials.  An 
insane  man  cannot  commit  a  crime,  and  it  would  be 
an  utter  forgetfulness  of  that  charity  which  is  the 
brightest  jewel  of  the  Craft,  to  refuse  the  Masonic 
rite  of  burial,  when  desired  by  his  relatives  or 
friends,  to  one  who  has  only  been  unfortunate.  Not 
so,  however,  with  one  who  wittingly,  or  in  con- 
sequence of  intemperate  habits,  destroys  the  life 
which  Heaven  has  given  him  for  useful  and  bene- 
ficent purposes.  We  would  throw  the  mantle  of 
charity  over  the  faults  of  an  erring  brother,  dead  or 
living,  but  we  should  not  lightly  overlook  his 
enemies.     By  all  law,  human   and   divine,   he   who 


332 


takes  his  own  life  is  as  guilty  as  he  who  takes  the 
life  of  another.  Before  God  and  man  he  is  guilty, — 
and  it  is  not  fitting  that  we,  as  a  society,  should 
hold  ourselves  out  to  the  world  as  the  excusers  of 
such  a  crime.     (See  Sees.  170  and  193.) 

Vol.  VI,  pp.  252,  336,  338,  371. 

Sec.  94.  A  Lodge  desiring  to  get  rid  of  a  mem- 
ber who,  for  some  cause,  has  become  obnoxious, 
avails  itself  of  the  first  opportunity  to  accomplish 
its  object.  In  such  a  case,  it  matters  not  how  tri- 
fling may  be  the  charges  or  insufficient  the  evidence. 
But  such  a  course  will  not  be  tolerated  by  this  Grand 
Lodge.  Every  individual  member  of  the  Order  has 
his  rights,  and  can  only  be  suspended  or  expelled 
upon  sufficient  charges  sustained  by  sufficient  evi- 
dence. Vol.  VI,  p.  340. 

Sec.  95.  Gambling  and  being  connected  with 
games  is  a  Masonic  offense,  for  which  a  Mason  may 
be  held  amenable.  Vol.  VI,  p.  348. 

Sec.  96.  The  Courts  of  the  country  are  established 
for  the  purpose  of  settling  differences  which  may 
arise  in  business  transactions  between  men.  A  man 
does  not  cease  to  be  a  citizen  when  he  becomes  a 
Mason.  All  his  duties  and  rights  as  a  citizen  are 
retained.  Masonic  Lodges  are  established  and  exist 
for  other  and  different  purposes,  and  were  we  to 
open  the  door  of  the  Lodge  and  invite  Masons  to 
make  it  the  tribunal  before  which  to  try  their  busi- 
ness disputes,  the  real  purpose  of  the  Fraternity 
would  be  forever  rendered  impossible.  It  is  true, 
however,  that  circumstances  may  arise,  in  the  course 
of  transactions  between  Masons,  of  such  a  character 
that  one  or  the  other  would  be  liable  to  a  charge  for 
violation  of  a  Masonic  obligation,  and  of  such  cir- 
cumstances and  their  bearing  on  the  particular  case 


DECISIONS  333 

to  which  they  are  sought  to  be  made  applicable,  the 
Commissioners  must  judge,  subject  to  the  Revision 
of  the  Grand  Lodge.     (See  Sec.  100.) 

Vol.  VI,  p.  349. 

Sec.  97.  If  an  E.  A.  removes  from  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  Lodge  in  which  he  received  that  degree,  he 
cannot  petition  another  Lodge  within  whose  juris- 
diction he  may  live,  for  the  remaining  degrees,  and 
receive  them,  if  elected.  He  may  apply  to  the  Lodge 
into  whose  jurisdiction  he  may  have  removed,  but 
his  application  must  be  accompanied  by  a  permission 
from  the  Lodge  in  which  he  received  his  first  degree, 
if  it  be  in  existence,  else  his  petition  cannot  be 
received. 

Vol.  VI,  p.  349;  Const.,  Sec.  7,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III. 

Sec.  98.  When  it  is  the  intention  of  any  Lodge  to 
take  measures  to  apply  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the 
restoration  of  a  Mason  who  has  been  expelled,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Master  thereof  to  notify  the 
members  of  his  Lodge,  as  far  as  possible,  of  the  time 
when  such  proposed  action  will  be  had;  and  to  cause 
to  be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of  the  meeting  at 
which  such  action  shall  be  had,  the  fact  that  such 
notification  was  duly  given.  Vol.  VT,  p.  354. 

Sec.  99.  Traducing  the  character  of  a  brother 
Mason,  accusing  him  of  theft  and  other  serious 
moral  delinquencies,  and  endeavoring  to  obtain  prop- 
erty fraudulently,  are  sufficient  causes  for  expulsion. 

Vol.  VI,  p.  355. 

Sec.  100.  Lodges  cannot  undertake  to  settle  all 
the  legal  questions  that  may  arise  between  brethren 
from  their  business  transactions.  Brethren  may 
honestly  differ  as  to  the  terms  of  an  agreement, 
although  one  or  the  other  must  be  wrong;   and  it 


334  DECISIONS 

would  not  be  consistent  with  Masonic  justice  to 
punish  for  such  difference  of  opinion.  To  warrant  an 
appeal  to  Masonic  censure,  the  case  must  involve  a 
willful  and  deliberate  disregard  of  moral  and  Ma- 
sonic duty,  and  an  intention  knowingly  and  willfully 
to  cheat  and  defraud  a  brother.     (See  Sec.  96.) 

Vol.  VI,  p.  360;  Vol.  XI,  p.  201. 

Sec.  101.  In  all  cases  where  the  guilt  of  the  ac- 
cused is  sought  to  be  established  by  the  naked  testi- 
mony of  but  one  witness,  unsupported  by  any  cor- 
roborating circumstances,  and  any  doubt  exists  as 
to  the  probity  or  integrity  of  the  witness,  it  is  held 
safer,  to  avoid  the  possibility  of  imposition  or  the 
introduction  of  false  testimony,  to  hold  the  evidence 
insufficient  and  the  charge  not  proven. 

Vol.  VI,  p.  362. 

Sec.  102.  The  Master,  or  any  officer  of  a  Lodge, 
may  withdraw  therefrom  in  the  same  manner  as  any 
other  member.  Whatever  may  be  the  rule  elsewhere, 
our  law  makes  no  distinction.     (See  Sec.  174.) 

Vol.  VI,  p.  365. 

Sec.  103.  That  the  Grand  Lodge  possesses  the 
power  to  restore  a  suspended  Mason,  there  is  no 
question.  But  the  subordinate  Lodge  equally  has 
that  power,  in  cases  of  suspension  (pronounced  by 
itself),  whilst  at  the  same  time  the  members  of  the 
subordinate  Lodge  possess  opportunities  for  deter- 
mining the  propriety  of  the  restoration  which  it  is 
impossible  for  the  Grand  Lodge  to  have.  As  a  gen- 
eral rule,  the  restoring  power  will  not  be  exercised 
by  the  Grand  Lodge,  even  in  cases  of  expulsion, 
where  the  power  of  restoration  resides  solely  in  the 
Grand  Lodge,  except  upon  the  application  of  the 
subordinate  Lodge  in  which  the  original  trial  was 
had.     That  being  the  rule  in  cases  of  expulsion,  a 


335 


fortiori,  it  should  be  the  rule  in  cases  of  suspension.   . 
(See  Const.,  Sees.  5,  6  and  7,  Art.  V,  Part  V.) 

Vol.  VI,  p.  370. 

Sec.  104.  When  a  brother,  who  has  been  sus- 
pended for  non-payment  of  dues,  pays  up  all  his 
arrearages,  he  thereby  becomes  restored  to  all  the 
former  privileges  enjoyed  by  him  in  his  Lodge,  and 
it  is  unnecessary  that  he  should  again  go  through 
the  form  of  signing  its  By-Laws.  (But  see  proviso 
in  Sec.  11  of  Art.  Ill  of  Part  III  of  the  Constitu- 
tion.) Vol.  VI,  p.  373. 

Sec.  105.  It  is  at  all  times  the  duty  of  a  Mason 
respectfully  to  submit  to  the  decision  of  the  Master 
whilst  in  ppen  Lodge,  no  matter  what  may  be  his 
own  opinion  as  to  the  correctness  of  the  Master's 
rulings.  The. peace  and  harmony  of  the  Lodge  de- 
pend upon  implicit  obedience  to  the  orders  of  the 
presiding  officer  whilst  the  Lodge  is  open — there 
being  always  the  right  of  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
or  Grand  Master  from  an  erroneous  decision  which 
he  may  declare.  Vol.  VI,  p.  373. 

Sec.  106.  It  would  be  an  unfortunate  proposition 
to  establish,  that  a  Masonic  Lodge,  devoted,  as  it 
should  be,  to  charitable  objects  and  the  assistance 
of  the  distressed,  could  with  impuity  suffer  its 
members  to  want  for  the  necessaries  of  life,  and 
thus  bring  discredit  upon  the  whole  body. 

Vol.  VI,  p.  374. 

Sec.  107.  No  Grand  Officer,  Chairman  of  a  Stand- 
ing Committee,  or  Kepresentative  of  a  Lodge,  shall 
receive  payment  for  his  necessary  traveling  expenses 
in  attending  a  Comrminiordion  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
who  shall  not  have  been  in  attendance  from  the  first 


336  DECISIONS 

to  the  last  day,  inclusive,  of  such  Communication, 
unless  excused  by  special  action  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Vol.  VI,  p.  382. 

Sec.  108.  An  objection  made  to  the  initiation  of 
one  who  had  been  elected  to  receive  the  degrees  of 
Masonry  in  a  Lodge  is,  unless  withdrawn  within 
sixty  days,  equivalent  to  a  rejection,  and  should  be 
so  reported  by  the  Secretary  to  the  Grand  Secretary; 
and  the  party  so  rejected  may,  at  any  time  after 
one  year,  again  petition  that  or  any  Lodge,  as  in 
cases  of  rejection.  (See  Const.,  Sec.  6,  Art.  Ill, 
Part  III.)  Vol.  VII,  pp.  13,  98. 

Sec.  109.  When,  after  initiation,  but  before  pass- 
ing or  raising,  an  objection  has  been  made,  and  has 
been,  by  proper  proceedings,  declared  by  the  Lodge 
to  be  a  "  valid  and  Masonic  objection, ' '  such  objec- 
tion is  a  rejection  for  the  remaining  degrees;  and 
the  same  rule  shall  apply  as  in  cases  where  a  separate 
ballot  is  required  for  each  degree  and  one  is  rejected 
for  the  second  or  third  degree.  The  party  so  re- 
jected must  wait  twelve  months,  and  then  if  he 
desires  to  proceed,  he  must  petition  his  Lodge  anew; 
and  his  petition. must  take  the  usual  course.  (See 
Const.,  Sec.  6,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III.)       Vol.  VII,  p.  13. 

Sec.  110.  The  reversal  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  a 
judgment  of  suspension  or  expulsion  made  by  one 
of  its  subordinates,  at  once  restores  the  accused  to 
the  standing  he  had  before  charges  were  preferred. 

Vol.  VII,  pp.  14,  99. 

Sec.  111.  None  but  the  accuser  and  the  accused 
can  appeal  from  the  decision  of  a  Commission.  By 
operation  of  law  the  judgment  of  a  majority  of  the 
Commission  becomes  the  judgment  of  the  Lodge; 
and  it  was  never  yet  heard  that  a  Court  rendering 


337 


judgment  in  a  case  might  turn  about  and  appeal  to 
a  higher  court  from  its  own  judgment. 

Vol.  VII,  pp.  14,  99,  103. 

Sec.  112.  A  petition  from  one  who  cannot  read 
and  write  should  not  be  received.  If  a  man  has 
lived  to  maturity,  or  beyond  that  period,  in  con- 
tented ignorance  of  how  to  read  and  write,  he  shows 
too  little  desire  for  ordinary  light  to  be  admitted  to 
the  brighter  light  of  Masonry. 

Vol.  VII,  pp.  15,  99. 

Sec.  113.  That  the  ballot  should  and  must  be 
secret  and  sacred,  is  one  of  the  first  principles  we 
are  taught  in  Masonry,  one  without  which  we  could 
not  maintain  the  purity  of  the  institution.  All  au- 
thority, ancient  and  modern,  proclaims  it  a  law  of 
Masonry  as  inflexible  as  the  laws  of  Medes  and 
Persians.  Every  Mason  should  know  and  remember 
that  it  is  neither  his  privilege  nor  his  right  to  in- 
quire or  to  know  how  his  neighbor  may  have  voted 
upon  any  petition,  nor  is  it  the  right  or  the  privilege 
of  the  neighbor  to  show  or  tell  how  he  intends  to 
vote  or  how  he  has  voted.  It  is  essential  to  our  very 
existence  that  the  ballot  be  preserved  secret  and 
sacred.  Vol.VII,  p.  16. 

Sec.  114.  On  no  occasion,  except  for  the  burial  of 
a  brother,  is  it  permitted  for  any  Lodge  or  number 
of  Masons  to  appear  in  Masonic  clothing  in  public 
procession,  without  special  permission  from  the 
Grand  Master;  and  that  permission  ought  very 
rarely  to  be  asked  or  granted.  On  the  Fourth  of 
July,  and  other  national  occasions,  it  seems  out  of 
character  to  appear  otherwise  than  simply  as  citi- 
zens. It  is  exceedingly  bad  taste  to  appear  in  Ma- 
sonic clothing  at  Masonic  balls  or  other  festivities. 
Vol.  VII,  pp.  16,  85;  Vol.  VIII,  p.  274. 


338 


Sec.  115.  When  a  Lodge  desires  to  remove  its 
place  of  meeting  from  one  place  to  another  in  the 
same  town  or  city,  no  action  but  that  of  the  Lodge 
itself  is  necessary.  Vol.  VII,  pp.  21,  98. 

Sec.  116.  Transactions  arising  out  of  the  at- 
tempted collection  and  foreclosure  of  a  mortgage 
and  the  tender  of  payment  in  United  States  cur- 
rency, are  questions  not  properly  cognizable  before 
the  tribunals  of  the  Fraternity.        Vol.  VII,  p.  92. 

Sec.  117.  An  application  for  affiliation  must  take 
the  same  course,  and  be  governed  by  the  same  rules 
as  an  application  for  the  degree;  and,  having  once 
been  referred  to  a  committee,  cannot  be  withdrawn, 
but  must  go  to  a  ballot.  Vol.    VII,  p.  98. 

Sec.  118.  Whenever  any  Mason,  under  sentence 
of  suspension,  desires  to  apply  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
for  restoration  to  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Ma- 
sonry, it  shall  be  his  duty  first  to  make  such  appli- 
cation to  the  Lodge  by  which  he  was  suspended; 
and  if  it  be  there  refused,  that  then  it  may  be  made 
to  the  Grand  Lodge,  provided  that  due  notice  be 
given  to  the  subordinate  Lodge  of  such  intended 
application.  Vol.  VII,  pp.  94, 106. 

Sec.  119.  There  is  no  appeal  from  the  ruling  of 
the  Grand  Master.  Vol.  VII,  p.  100. 

Sec.  120.  During  a  period  of  suspension  for  un- 
masonic  conduct,  the  dues  of  a  brother  should  cease. 
He  is  under  a  disability  from  which  he  cannot,  of 
his  own  free  will,  free  himself.  When  suspended 
simply  for  non-payment  of  dues,  he  is  in  a  position 
from  which  he  may,  by  his  own  act,  at  any  time 
relieve  himself,  and  he  should  pay  his  dues  accord- 
ingly. But  while  he  is  under  suspension  for  un- 
masonic  conduct,  he  is  cut  off  entirely  fiom  all  priv- 


339 


ilexes,   and    can    only    be    restored    by    an    act   of   his 
Lodge,  or  of  the  Grand  Lodge.        Vol.  VII,  p.  100. 

Sec.  121.  A  Mason  suspended  for  non-payment  of 
dues,  and  subsequently  suspended  for  unmasonic 
conduct,  should  be  charged  dues  only  during  the 
period  he  was  under  suspension  for  non-payment  of 
dues.  Vol.  VII,  p.  100. 

Sec.  122.  No  lenity  will  be  shown  in  the  case  of 
Secretaries  of  Lodges  who  may  be  found  to  be  de- 
faulters to  the  Lodges,  as  the  offense  is  one  for 
which  there  can  be  neither  justification  or  excuse. 

Vol.  VII,  p.  102. 

Sec.  123.  Masons  should  abstain  from  all  conver- 
sation with  a  candidate  as  to  the  action  on  his 
petition.  Vol.  VII,  p.  102. 

Sec.  124.  The  law  requires  the  Secretary  to  keep 
a  full  and  correct  record  of  the  proceedings  and  the 
judgment  of  the  commissions  for  trial,  and  this  re- 
quirement can  only  be  met  by  his  keeping  a  record 
of  all  the  testimony  in  the  case;  not  a  mere  abstract, 
but  the  testimony  of  each  witness  in  full,  so  that, 
if  appeal  be  had  to  the  Grand  Body,  its  committees 
may  have  the  whole  case  before  them.  Witnesses 
not  Masons  may  testify  before  the  commission  in 
the  form  of  deposition,  taken  before  some  officer 
entitled  to  administer  oaths;  and  in  order  that  the 
witnesses  who  are  Masons  may  stand  on  the  same 
footing,  their  testimony  must  be  written  out  in  full 
by  the  Secretary.  Vol.  VII,  p.  109. 

Sec.  125.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  to  give 
the  notice  to  those  in  arrears  for  dues,  without  any 
order  from  the  Master  or  the  Lodge  to  that  effect. 
The  notice  must  have  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  attached. 

Vol.  VII,  p.  110. 


340 


Sec.  126.  A  quorum  of  the  commissioners  may 
proceed  to  trial  and  judgment,  but,  in  such  case, 
the  judgment  must  be  that  of  a  majority  of  all  the 
commissioners,  to  wit:  if  the  number  of  commis- 
sioners be  seven,  four  may  try  the  case, — but  all 
four  must  concur  in  the  judgment.  No  power  is 
anywhere  conferred  upon  the  Master  to  appoint  to 
fill  vacancies. 

Vol.  VII,  p.110;  Vol.  XV,  p.  648;  Vol.  XVI,  p.  736. 

Sec.  127.  The  notice  to  members  in  arrears  for 
dues  is  made  in  obedience  to  the  Constitution  ?ud 
must  have  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  attached. 

Vol.  VII,  p.  110. 
Sec.  128.     The  accuser  has  the  right  to  employ  a 
brother  in  good  standing  to  assist  him  at  a  trial. 

Vol.  VII,  p.  111. 

Sec.  129.  The  following  are  all  offenses  against 
the  law  of  the  ballot,  and  as  such  are  punishable, 
for  "nothing  must  be  done  to  impair  the  inviolable 
secrecy  of  the  ballot": — 

1.  A  brother  deposits  his  ballot  in  such  manner 
that  it  can  be  seen  how  he  votes. 

2.  One  brother  looks  to  see  how  another  brother 
votes. 

3.  One  brother  tells  how  another  brother  votes. 

4.  One  brother  accuses  another  of  casting  a  black 
ball. 

").  One  brother  asks  another  why  he  blackballed 
the  candidate. 

(>.  The  Master  calls  a  brother  to  the  East,  and 
inquires  of  him  if  he  cast  a  black  ball,  and  why  he 
did  it.  ,    Vol.  VI,  p.  124. 

Sec.  130.  The  jurisdiction  of  each  Lodge  within 
this  State — except  those  located  in  cities,  which  have 


341 


concurrent  jurisdiction— extends  in  every  direction 
to  the  geographical  center  between  it  and  the  con- 
tiguous Lodges.  The  air  line  governs,  and  not  the 
route  of  travel.  Vol.  VII,  p.  293. 

Sec.  131.  Fraudulently  alleging  untruths  in  a  peti- 
tion for  the  degrees  is  a  Masonic  offense.  See  Sec. 
196.)  Vol.  Vn,  p.  412. 

Sec.  132.  When  permission  is  granted  by  one 
Lodge  to  another  to  confer  the  remaining  degrees 
upon  a  candidate  applying  therefor,  the  petition  for 
any  degree  or  degrees  must  be  referred,  reported  on, 
and  balloted  for,  unless  there  be  a  dispensation  from 
the  Grand  Master  in  regard  to  the  reference. 

Vol.  VII,  p.  415. 

Sec.  133.  If  a  party  intending  to  change  his  place 
of  residence,  becomes  a  member  of  the  Fraternity 
abroad,  the  regulation  of  this  State  (Sec.  19,  Art.  Ill, 
Part  III)  should  not  operate  against  him  on  his 
return.  Nothing  is  to  be  gained  by  a  too  strenu- 
ous and  rigid  enforcement  of  the  law.  If  the  party  ?s 
intention  in  going  abroad  was  to  remain  perman- 
ently, and  become  a  citizen,  his  simple  change  of 
purpose  and  return  to  this  State  within  some  short 
time  will  not  of  itself  bring  him  within  the  require- 
ment of  the  Constitution.  Vol.  VII,  p.  434. 

Sec.  134.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  a  right  to 
remain  with  the  commissioners  through  the  entire 
proceeding.  When  the  trial  is  concluded,  and  the 
finding  is  made  up,  the  record  must  be  signed  by  the 
Master   and   attested  by  the  Secretary. 

Vol.  VIII,  pp.  15, 113. 

Sec.  135.  The  words  ' '  unanimous  vote  by  ballot, ' ' 
mean  unanimous  vote  by  ballot  of  all  the  members 
of  the  Lodge  then  present,  and  not  the  unanimous 


342 


presence  and  ballot  of  all  the  members  of  the  Lodge. 
Any  other  construction  would  be  almost  impractica- 
ble in  giving  the  law  effect.    Vol.  VIII,  pp.  15, 113. 

Sec.  136.  No  action  of  a  Lodge  is  necessary  to 
suspend  a  non-affiliated  Mason  who  has  resided 
more  than  six  months  in  a  subordinate  jurisdiction. 
He  cannot  be  the  recipient  of  any  of  the  rights, 
privileges,  or  charities  of  the  Fraternity,  and  the 
Master  of  a  Lodge  violates  the  law  if  he  permits  a 
Mason  to  visit  his  Lodge  who  persists  in  remaining 
under  its  ban.  Vol.  VIII,  pp.  15, 113. 

Sec.  137.  An  E.  A.,  whose  Lodge  has  been  de- 
clared extinct,  and  who  properly  applies  to  another 
Lodge  to  be  advanced,  must  receive  the  unanimous 
ballot  of  the  members  present  in  the  Lodge  at  the 
time  his  petition  is  voted  upon;  otherwise  he  must 
be  declared  rejected,  and  his  name  reported  to  the 
Grand  Secretary  accordingly. 

Vol.  VIII,  pp.  15, 113. 

Sec.  138.  A  petition  signed  with  a  cross-mark 
is  prima  facie  evidence  that  a  party  petitioning  is 
not  capable  of  writing  his  own  name,  and  accord- 
ing to  General  Eegulation  No.  11,  unfit  to  be  made 
a  Mason.  Under  our  law  every  petition  must  be 
signed  in  writing  with  the  own  proper  hand  of  the 
petitioner;  and  when  there  is  reason  to  believe  to 
the  contrary,  the  benefit  of  the  doubt  belongs  to 
the  Fraternity,  and  the  Master  must  refuse  to 
allow  his  Lodge  to  act  upon  the  application  until  the 
doubt  is  removed.  Vol.  VIII,  pp.  16, 113. 

Sec.  139.  Private  examinations  by  individual 
members,  without  authority  from  the  Master,  do 
not,  as  a  matter  of  right,  entitle  a  member  of  a 
Lodge  to  vouch  for  a  visitor.     The  Master  himself 


343 


is  responsible  for  the  admission  of  all  visitors  with- 
in the  Lodge  which  he  governs.        Vol.  VIII,  p.  18. 

Sec.  140.  Discussion  regarding  an  unfavorable 
ballot  is  unlawful;  it  is  productive  of  discord,  and 
is  the  canvass  of  the  integrity  of  individual  action 
which  is  guaranteed  by  the  solemnity  which  sur- 
rounds the  occasion.  No  member  has  the  right  to 
declare  how  he  voted,  whether  affirmatively  or 
negatively,  unless  it  be  to  declare  his  own  act  to 
the  Master,  if  he  is  satisfied  that  he  has  committed 
an  error  of  judgment,  in  order  that  injustice  may 
be  remedied.  The  knowledge  of  the  officers  in  such 
matters,  acquired  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties, 
belongs  to  their  stations,  and  our  Constitution  par- 
ticularly cautions  the  Master  in  the  use  of  the  final 
remedy,  provided  for  the  "  purpose  of  correcting  a 
possible  mistake/ '  that  he  shall  resort  to  it  "with- 
out declaring  the  result  of  the  former  ballot. ' ' 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  18. 

Sec.  141.  Embezzlement  is  a  Masonic  offense. 
The  law  of  our  Fraternity  is  that  when  a  Mason 
commits  an  offense  which  is  a  violation  of  the  moral 
law  and  of  the  law  of  the  land,  he  also  commits  a 
Masonic  crime,  because  he  thereby  brings  shame 
upon  the  Craft.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  93. 

Sec.  142.  The  Commissioners  in  the  case  of  Bro. 
Charles  Prager,  in  Los  Angeles  Lodge,  No.  42,  found 
the  brother  "not  guilty  of  the  charge  and  specifica- 
tions, but  guilty  of  unmasonic  conduct. n  The 
charge  was  "gross  unmasonic  conduct,"  the  facts 
being  set  out  in  the  specification.  The  Commission- 
ers might,  upon  a  finding  against  the  accused  of  all 
or  a  part  of  the  facts  set  out  in  the  specification, 
have  negatived  the  charge  of  "gross  unmasonic 
conduct;  "    and   found   him   guilty   of   simply   "un- 


344 


masonic  conduct;"  but  as  they  found  him  not 
guilty  of  the  specification,  nothing  remains  upon 
which  they  could  base  a  judgment  of  guilty  of  "un- 
masonic  conduct. ' '  After  a  verdict  of  ' '  not  guilty ' ' 
upon  the  specification,  the  accused  was  entitled  to 
an  entire  acquittal.  It  appearing,  however,  from 
the  manner  in  which  the  Commissioners  have  ren- 
dered their  decision,  that,  whilst  they  could  not  find 
the  accused  guilty  of  all  the  facts  set  out  in  the 
specification,  nor  guilty  of  the  charge  of  "  gross  un- 
masonic  conduct, ' '  yet  that  they  believed  him  guilty 
of  part  of  the  facts  alleged,  and  guilty  of  unmasonic 
conduct;  and  it  being  evident  that  the  Commis- 
sioners were  not  aware  that  they  might  have  found 
the  accused  guilty  of  part  only  of  the  facts  charged, 
your  committee  recommends  that  the  action  be  re- 
versed and  set  aside,  and  that  the  case  be  remanded 
for  a  new  trial.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  94. 

Sec.  143.  Every  Mason  is  under  the  obligation 
not  to  injure  a  brother  in  his  good  name.  He  must 
neither  originate  statements  of  a  defamatory  nature 
against  a  brother,  nor  give  circulation  to  any  that 
he  may  have  heard,  because  injury  may  be  done  as 
well  as  by  the  one  as  by  the  other;  in  fact,  it  is 
circulation  that  gives  slander  its  effect.  It  is  as 
much  an  offense  to  circulate  such  statements 
amongst  Masons  as  amongst  others.  If  the  offense 
is  committed  without  notice,  the  offender  is  deserv- 
ing, at  least,  of  a  reprimand;  if  it  is  committed 
maliciously,  the  offender  deserves  expulsion. 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  112. 

Sec.  144.  That  a  brother  commits  an  offense 
under  the  influence  of  liquor  is  no  excuse  upon  a 
Masonic  trial,  because  his  condition  is  itself  a  dis- 


345 


regard  of  one  of  the  cardinal  virtues  of  a  Mason — 
temperance.  Vol.  8,  p.  112. 

Sec.  145.  When  the  Commissioners,  upon  a  trial, 
cannot  find  the  accused  guilty  of  the  charge  or 
specification,  as  set  out,  they  may  negative  any  part 
of  the  charge  or  specification  which  they  do  not  find 
against  the  accused,  and  return  a  verdict,  or  judg- 
ment, for  that  portion  of  the  specification  or  charge 
of  which  they  find  the   accused  guilty. 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  112. 

Sec.  146.  A  notice  of  intended  application  for 
restoration  must  be  given  so  as  to  be  delivered  and 
read  to  the  Lodge,  sixty  days  before  the  Annual 
Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  112. 

Sec.  147.  Sixty  days'  notice  of  an  intended  ap- 
plication for  restoration  must  be  given  to  the  Lodge 
which  expelled  the  brother.  A  notice  was  given  to 
the  Secretary  on  the  day  succeeding  the  regular 
monthly  meeting  of  the  Lodge.  This,  though  given 
to  the  Secretary  sixty-three  days  before  the  com- 
mencement of  the  Communication  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  was  held  insufficient,  because  it  could  not 
be  delivered  to  the  Lodge  until  its  next  meeting, 
which  was  only  thirty-six  days  before  the  com- 
mencement of  the  Communication  of  the  Grand 
Lodge.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  112. 

Sec.  148.  The  record  and  proceedings  had  upon  a 
trial  belong  to  the  secret  archives  of  the  Lodge, 
and  ought  not  to  be  made  public  in  any  manner,  ex- 
cept so  far  as  it  may  be  necessary  for  the  purpose 
of  transmitting  the  same  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for 
review.  It  can  readily  be  seen  how  a  party,  found 
guilty    of    a   charge   before    a   Lodge,    might    make 


346  DECISIONS 

unworthy  use  of  the  evidence  rendered  before  the 
Lodge,  if  furnished  to  him  in  authentic  form,  and 
how  he  might  desire  to  preserve  it  for  purposes  of 
revenge  and  ulterior  uses.  At  the  same  time  that 
the  absolute  right  to  demand  the  transcript  does  not 
exist,  the  accused,  or  his  counsel,  or  friends,  if 
Masons,  should  at  all  times  be  permitted  to  have 
complete  access  to  the  record,  to  enable  him  to  make 
a  full  and  perfect  defense  to  the  charge  before  the 
Grand  Lodge.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  114. 

Sec.  149.  The  absolute  right  of  visit  by  a  Mas- 
ter Mason  in  good  standing,  to  any  Lodge  where  he 
may  present  himself,  after  due  proof  of  his  qualifica- 
tion, has  been  and  still  is  a  somewhat  disputed 
point  in  Masonic  jurisprudence.  The  question,  how- 
ever, is  permanently  settled  in  this  jurisdiction,  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  this  State,  at  the  Annual  Communi- 
cation in  1866,  Vol.  VII,  page  433,  having  affirmed 
a  decision  of  the  Committee  on  Jurisprudence,  laying 
down  the  general  rule  that  the  right  of  visit  is  not, 
as  is  sometimes  supposed,  absolute  and  indefeasible, 
and  that  the  Master  of  a  Lodge  is  clothed  with  au- 
thority to  say  who  of  those  hailing  from  other 
Lodges  shall  visit  him.      (See  Sees.  466  and  625.) 

Vol.  VII,  p.  115. 

Sec.  150.  A  Master  of  a  Lodge  cannot  receive  a 
minority  report  from  a  committee  appointed  on  the 
application  of  a  candidate  for  the  degrees,  and  on  it 
order  a  ballot  to  be  taken.  The  duties  of  a  Com- 
mittee of  Investigation  are  not  fully  discharged 
until  a  majority  has  reported,  or  the  committee  be 
relieved  of  its  duties.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  115. 

Sec.  151.  A  member  of  a  Lodge  is  at  all  times 
entitled  to  be  present  and  participate  in  its  pro- 
ceedings, while  he  conducts  himself  with  due  order 


DECISIONS  347 

and  propriety,  and  nothing  short  of  a  violation  of 
such  rules  authorizes  his  being  refused  admission  to 
his  Lodge  whilst  he  remains  in  good  standing. 

vol.  vrn,  p.  ii6. 

Sec.  152.  On  demand  for  such  purpose  duly  made, 
the  charges  and  evidence  should  be  read  in  open 
Lodge,  on  the  report  of  a  committee  appointed  to 
consider  an  objection  to  the  advancement  of  a  F.  C. 
to  the  Master's  degree.  The  Lodge  must  at  last 
decide  whether  the  cause  assigned  for  the  objection 
is  a  valid  and  Masonic  one,  or  otherwise,  and  to  en- 
able them  to  vote  intelligently  upon  the  question,  it 
seems  but  right  and  proper  that  the  charges,  and 
evidence  introduced  in  support  thereof,  should  be 
read  to  the  Lodge.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  116. 

Sec.  153.  Under  the  regulations  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Ehode  Island,  a  dimit  is  not  granted  to  a 
brother  until  he  has  actually  joined  another  Lodge. 
As  an  applicant  is  by  that  regulation  unable  to  ob- 
tain his  dimit,  through  no  fault  of  his,  the  exist- 
ence of  that  fact  is  sufficient  explanation  of  his  in- 
ability to  furnish  it,  and  satisfies  the  requirements 
of  Sec.  13,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution. 

Vol.  vni,  p.  117. 

Sec.  154.  An  E.  A.  or  F.  C.  physically  perfect 
at  the  time-  of  his  initiation,  his  faith  and  good  in- 
tentions towards  Masonry,  together  with  the  fact 
that  he  had  received  partial  knowledge  of  our 
mysteries,  justifying  such  action,  can  receive  the 
remainder  of  the  degrees,  provided  he  is  able  to  con- 
form literally  to  the  requirements  of  the  remaining 
degrees.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  275. 

Sec.  155.  It  seems  strange  that  hearsay  testimony 
should   continue   to   be   received,    when    the    Grand 


348 


Lodge  reports  are  full  of  reversals  because  of  the 
reception  of  such  testimony.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  381. 

Sec.  156.  Abusive  language  to  a  brother  is  a 
Masonic  offense.  The  habitual  use  of  profane  lan- 
guage is  also  a  Masonic  offense.  ' '  Profanity  in  a 
Mason,  while  it  is  an  insult  to  the  majesty  of  our 
Maker,  is  also  an  irreverence  for  the  religious  de- 
sign of  the  Masonic  science,  and  as  such  is  a  Ma- 
sonic crime. p '  Vol.  VIII,  p.  381. 

Sec.  157.  The  mere  statement  by  a  brother  in  his 
petition,  acknowledging  that  he  was  rightly  pun- 
ished— that  he  feels  his  punishment  to  be  very 
severe — that  he  is  sincerely  attached  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  Masonry — and  that  he  is  truly  sorry  for 
his  fault  and  asks  to  be  forgiven,  is  not  sufficient. 
If  it  were,  every  unworthy  Mason  who  has  been  ex- 
pelled could  be  restored,  and  Masonic  punishment 
would  be  a  byword  and  a  reproach. 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  383. 

Sec.  158.  All  moneys  advanced  by  a  Lodge  or  a 
Board  of  Belief,  to  or  for  a  member  of  another 
Lodge,  his  widow  or  orphans,  within  this  jurisdic- 
tion, shall  be  refunded  by  the  Lodge  of  which  the 
brother  is,  or  was  at  the  time  of  his  death,  a  mem- 
ber in  good  standing;  provided,  that  no  more  than 
twenty-five  dollars  shall  be  so  advanced  without  the 
consent  of  the  Master  of  the  Lodge  whose  member 
shall  be  relieved.  Vol.  VIII,  pp.  383,  411. 

Sec.  159.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  the  right  to 
strike  out  portions  of  the  charges  that  contain  no 
clear  and  certain  specifications  of  an  offense,  but  are 
rambling,  uncertain,  unsatisfactory,  and  insufficient. 
Charges  must  be  specific,  and  stated  with  concise- 
ness, elenvness  and  certainty.         Vol.  VIII,  p.  386. 


DECISIONS  349 

Sec.  160.  Charges  must  be  specific,  and  stated 
with  conciseness,  clearness,  and  certainty.  Such  ex- 
pressions as  "malignant  heart/ '  "cowardly  and  ly- 
ing assault  upon  his  standing  as  an  officer,"  "sys- 
tematic coiner  of  slander  and  lies,"  "known  to  the 
accused  to  be  a  lie  at  the  time  he  made  it, "  and 
* i  having  with  malice  willfully,  from  a  corrupt  heart, 
hatched  a  lie,"  etc.,  when  applied  to  a  brother,  are 
not  to  be  tolerated  even  in  one  preferring  charges. 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  386. 

Sec.  161.  On  the  trial  of  a  case,  the  Commissioners 
should  find  the  accused  guilty  of  so  much  of  the 
facts  set  out  in  the  specifications  as  are  proven. 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  386. 

Sec.  162.  If  a  candidate  has  been  elected  to  re- 
ceive the  three  degrees  of  Masonry  by  a  Lodge,  and 
after  having  received  the  first  degree,  or  first  and 
second  degrees,  removes  temporarily  or  permanently 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  another  Lodge,  the  latter 
Lodge  may,  at  the  request  of  the  former,  confer  the 
remaining  degree  or  degrees  upon  him.  In  such  case 
the  conferring  of  the  degree  or  degrees  is  only  an 
act  of  courtesy,  and  the  initiate  becomes  a  member 
of  the  Lodge  in  which  his  petition  was  received,  and 
not  of  the  Lodge  conferring  the  last  degree.  But 
if,  having  received  one  or  two  degrees  in  the  Lodge 
in  which  he  was  elected  to  receive  the  three,  he  re- 
move to  another  jurisdiction  and  desires  to  become 
a  member  of  the  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction  he 
has  removed,  he  must  present  his  petition,  stating 
the  facts  of  his  case  and  asking  to  receive 
the  remaining  degree  or  degrees  in  that  Lodge. 
But  his  petition  cannot  there  be  received  until  the 
permission  of  the  Lodge  which  had  acquired  juris- 
diction  over   him   by   electing  him   and   conferring 


350 


upon  him  the  first,  or  first  and  second  degrees,  has 
been  obtained;  his  petition  must  take  the  usual 
course  of  petitions  for  the  degrees  or  for  member- 
ship. In  such  a  case,  if  he  is  elected  and  the  re- 
maining degree  or  degrees  is  or  are  conferred,  he 
becomes  a  member  of  the  Lodge  conferring  the  last 
degree.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  394. 

Sec.  163.  A  degree  conferred  by  one  Lodge  at  the 
request  of  another,  is  the  act  of  the  Lodge  prefer- 
ring the  request.  Permission  to  receive  the  petition 
of  an  E.  A.  or  F.  C.  is  a  relinquishment  of  the  rights 
of  the  Lodge  granting  the  permission. 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  394. 

Sec.  164.  A  Mason  who  is  the  only  witness  to 
prove  charges  which  have  been  preferred  against  a 
brother,  is  employed  as  counsel  for  such  brother. 
Can  he  refuse  to  testify  before  the  Commission  on 
the  ground  that  his  knowledge  of  the  facts  of  the 
case  was  communicated  to  him  by  the  accused 
brother  in  his  capacity  as  counsel? 

The  rules  adopted  in  our  civil  Courts,  with  refer- 
ence to  communications  between  attorney  and 
client,  should  apply  in  Masonic  Courts  as  well. 
Those  rules  are  well  established.  If  one  employs 
an  attorney  and  discloses  to  him,  as  such,  the  facts 
of  his  case,  the  Courts  not  only  will  not  compel,  but 
will  not  permit  the  attorney  to  disclose  them  upon 
the  witness  stand.  If  one,  charged  with  a  Masonic 
offense,  employs  counsel  and  discloses  to  him,  as 
such,  the  facts  of  his  case,  the  same  rule  should 
apply,  and  the  counsel  should  not  be  compelled  or 
allowed  to  disclose  the  facts  so  communicatee!,  when 
called  as  a  witness.  If,  however,  the  brother  cm 
ployed  as  counsel  has  become  acquainted  with  ;uiy 
facts  pertinent  to  the  case,  otherwise  than  through 


DECISIONS  351 

the  confidential  disclosures  of  his  client,  he  should 
be  compelled  to  give  them  in  evidence  when  called 
as  a  witness.  The  relation  of  attorney  and  client 
should  protect  confidential  disclosures  of  the  client 
to  the  attorney,  as  such,  and  nothing  more. 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  394. 

Sec.  165.  It  is  the  opinion  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
that  caucusing  or  electioneering  to  influence  the 
votes  of  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  the  elec- 
tion of  Grand  Officers,  is  contrary  to  the  letter  and 
spirit  of  Masonry;  and  the  Grand  Lodge  disapproves 
of  conventions,  or  other  local  or  sectional  combina- 
tions, to  affect  the  legislation  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
or  to  secure  election  to  office.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  399. 

Sec.  166.  The  only  discretion  a  Lodge  can  exer- 
cise in  the  case  of  a  member  refusing  or  neglecting 
to  pay  his  dues  who  has  been  notified  by  the  Secre- 
tary, is  to  remit  his  dues  or  extend  the  time  for 
payment.  If  neither  of  these  be  done,  he  is  sus- 
pended by  operation  of  the  law,  and  the  Lodge  has 
no  occasion  to  take  any  action  in  the  matter.  (But 
the  Master  should  declare  him  suspended. — J.  W.  A.) 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  402. 

Sec.  167.  When  an  objection  made  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  a  candidate,  under  Sec.  6,  Art.  Ill, 
Part  III,  of  the  Constitution,  has  been  decided  to  be 
a  valid  and  Masonic  objection,  such  decision  shall 
have  the  effect  of  a  rejection  for  the  remaining  de- 
grees; but  the  party  so  rejected  may,  after  the  lapse 
of  one  year,  again  apply  to  his  Lodge,  by  petition  in 
writing,  for  the  remaining  degrees,  and  in  such  case 
his  petition  shall  take  the  usual  course  of  petitions. 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  403. 

Sec.  168.  The  rule  adopted  by  the  Grand  Lodge 
in  1864 — that  the  candidate  must  be  able  to  conform 


352 


literally  to  what  the  several  degrees  require  of  him 
— is  correct.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  adopted  the  rule 
as  it  stands,  and  it  is  the  law  of  this  jurisdiction. 
(See  Reg.  No.  11  and  Sec.916.)      Vol.  VIII,  p.  411. 

Sec.  169.  No  Lodge  or  body  of  Masons,  nor  any 
Mason,  within  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand  Lodge, 
shall  appear  in  Masonic  clothing,  in  any  public  pro- 
cession or  at  any  public  meeting  or  demonstration, 
without  permission  from  the  Grand  Master,  except 
for  the  burial  of  a  brother  or  to  perform  some 
strictly  Masonic  labor.  (See  Const.,  See.  10,  Art. 
Ill,  Part  HI.)  Vol.  Vin,  p.  412. 

Sec.  170.  At  the  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  held 
in  1868  a  resolution,  on  recommendation  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Jurisprudence,  was  passed  to  the  effect 
that  no  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  bury  with 
Masonic  honors  any  Mason  who  has  committed 
suicide.  At  the  session  of  1870,  a  resolution  was 
adopted  to  the  effect  that  the  Lodge  to  which  he 
belonged  should  determine  as  to  his  sanity,  and  as 
to  the  propriety  of  interring  him  with  Masonic 
honors.  On  the  same  day  this  action  was  recon- 
sidered and  the  resolution  as  reported  in  Sec.  93,  was 
adopted.  The  same  was  re-affirmed  at  the  session  of 
1879,  and  is  now  the  law  of  this  jurisdiction  relative 
to  the  matter.  (See  Sees.  93  and  193.)  Vol.  VIII, 
p.  412;  Vol.  IX,  p.  423;  Vol.  XIV,  pp.  153,  177. 

Sec.  171.  Every  originator  of  a  defamatory  state- 
ment is  adjudged  to  do  so  maliciously,  and  every 
one  who  publishes  such  statement  is  held  to  be  the 
originator  thereof,  unless  he  can  show  that  he  re- 
ceived it  from  another.  "If  a  Mason  live  amiss,  or 
slander  his  brother,  so  as  to  bring  the ,  Craft  to 
shame,  he  shall  have  no  further  maintenance  among 
the  brethren. *l     (Old  Constitutions.) 

Vol.  VIII,  p.  419. 


353 


Sec.  172.  Packing  a  commission  for  trial  in  ordei 
to  accomplish  a  certain  purpose,  is  in  violation  of 
the  spirit  and  teachings  of  Masonry,  and  ought  not 
to  be  tolerated.  Vol.  VIII,  p.  419. 

Sec.  173.  When  one  Lodge  recommends  an  E.  A. 
to  another  Lodge,  and  that  Lodge  elects  him  to,  and 
confers  on  him  the  remaining  degrees,  the  second 
named  Lodge  is  entitled  to  the  fees  for  the  two 
degrees.  Vol.  IX,  p.  113. 

Sec.  174.  The  Master  or  a  Lodge  can  resign  his 
office  and  withdraw  from  his  Lodge  on  the  same 
night.  Vol.  IX,  p.  114. 

Sec.  175.  In  relation  to  voluntary  withdrawal 
from  a  Lodge,  no  vote  is  contemplated  or  required 
unless  a  recommendatory  certificate  is  desired. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  114. 

Sec.  176.  Upon  the  resignation  and  dismission  of 
the  Master  of  a  Lodge,  the  Senior  Warden  would 
necessarily  sign  the  certificate,  having  by  law  been 
charged  with  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  Master. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  114. 

Sec.  177.  Divulging  the  proceedings  of  the  Lodge 
to  one  not  entitled  to  such  knowledge  is  a  Masonic 
offense.  Vol.  IX,  p.  115. 

Sec.  178.  A  brother  should  not  be  punished  for 
concealing  the  secret  of  another  brother,  confided  to 
him  as  such.  Vol.  IX,  p.  116. 

Sec.  179.  Slandering  a  brother  is  a  Masonic 
offense.  Vol.  IX,  p.  116. 

Sec.  180.  "Living  in  constant  violation  of  the 
teachings  of  Masonry  and  conducting  himself  in  a 
manner  unbecoming  a  man  and  a  Mason,' '  is  too 
general  a  charge.     It  contains  no  specifications  of 


354 


the  particular  respects  in   which   the  accused  is   so 
doing.  Vol.  IX,  p.  116. 

Sec.  181.  The  notification  of  the  special  mooting 
to  elect  Commissioners  must  have  the  seal  of  the 
Lodge  attached.  Vol.  IX,  p.  118. 

Sec.  182.  The  notification  of  the  special  meeting 
to  elect  Commissioners  must  state  the  object  of  the 
meeting.  Vol.  IX,  p.  118. 

Sec.  183.  Charges  against  a  Past  Master  for 
offenses  committed  by  him  while  Master  of  the 
Lodge,  are  within  the  jurisdiction  of  a  subordinate 
Lodge.  Vol.  IX,  p.  118. 

Sec.  184.  Writing  out  the  secret  work  of  tin; 
Order  so  that  the  same  is  legible  and  intelligible  to 
one's  self  or  another  is  a  Masonic  offense  for  which 
the  Grand  Lodge  has  held  expulsion  to  be  the  proper 
punishment.  Vol.  IX,  p.  118. 

Sec.  185.  All  petitions  for  the  degrees  and  for 
affiliation  shall  be  signed  with  the  full  names  of  the 
applicants,  and  be  thus  recorded  in  the  roll-books 
and  books  of  by-laws  of  the  respective  Lodges,  and 
be  thus  returned  in  the  annual  reports  to  the  Grand 
Lodge.  Vol.  IX,  p.  139. 

Sec.  186.  The  transcripts  of  trials  must  show  that 
the  Commissioners  were  elected;  must  contain  a 
copy  of  the  charges;  must  show  that  notice  was 
given  to  the  accused;  that  his  residence  was  un- 
known when  the  trial  is  ex  parte.      Vol.  IX,  p.  142. 

Sec.  187.  The  evidence  upon  which  the  Commis- 
sioners acted  must  be  sent  up.  Vol.  IX,  p.  143. 

Sec.  188.  The  trial  must  proceed  ex  parte  when 
the  residence  of  the  accused  is  unknown. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  143. 


DECISIONS  355 

Sec.  189.  Lodges  must  recollect  that  the  Grand 
Lodge  can  compel  its  subordinates  to  do  justice. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  144. 

Sec.  190.  Neglect  of  the  Constitution,  or  dis- 
obedience of  its  provisions  by  a  Lodge,  may  forfpit 
its  charter.  Vol.  IX,  pp.  145,  448. 

Sec.  191.  When  any  member  of  a  Committee  of 
Investigation  makes  an  unfavorable  report,  a  ballot 
should  not  be  had.  Vol.  IX,  p.  305. 

Sec.  192.  Lodges  cannot  impose  fines.  Under  the 
Constitution,  the  only  penalties  recognized  for  the 
violation  of  our  laws  are  reprimand,  suspension,  or 
expulsion.  Vol.  IX,  p.  420. 

Sec.  193.  In  the  case  of  a  suicide  by  a  Master 
Mason  in  this  jurisdiction,  the  Master  and  Wardens 
of  the  Lodge  to  which  he  belonged  shall  determine 
as  to  his  insanity,  and  as  to  the  propriety  of  inter- 
ring him  with  Masonic  honors. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  423;  Vol.  XIV,  pp.  153, 177. 

Sec.  194.  The  evidence  of  one  witness  whose 
credibility  is  impaired  by  the  conflicting  testimony 
of  two  independent  witnesses,  is  not  sufficient  to 
sustain  a  charge.  Vol.  IX,  p.  424. 

Sec.  195.  Willfully  misrepresenting  the  transac- 
tions of  a  Lodge  is  a  Masonic  offense. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  425. 

Sec.  196.  Misrepresentations  in  a  petition  for  the 
degrees  is   a   Masonic   offense,   deserving  expulsion. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  425. 

Sec.  197.  Defrauding  a  brother  by  false  repre- 
sentations made  to  him,  the  brother  knowing  him  t« » 
be  a  Mason  and  placing  confidence  in  him  as  such, 
is  a  Masonic  offense.  Vol.  IX,  p.  426. 


356 


Sec.  198.  Using  language  unbecoming  a  Mason 
towards  a  brother  Mason  is  a  Masonic  offense. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  426. 

Sec.  199.  Sending  scurrilous  and  obscene  letters 
f-o  a  Mason  and  Ms  wife  is  a  Masonic  offense. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  426. 

Sec.  200.  No  circumstances  will  justify  the  ap- 
plication of  vile  and  abusive  epithets  by  one  brother 
to  another.  An  appeal  to  the  laws  of  the  land  or  to 
proper  Masonic  authority  will  be  sufficient  to  afford 
ample  redress  for  all  cases  of  grievances. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  427. 

Sec.  201.  Declaring  that  certain  parties,  pets  of 
certain  members,  should  never  become  members  of 
the  Lodge;  disclosing  his  ballot;  applying  the  term 
"scoundrel."  to  a  brother  member — are  Masonic 
offenses.  Vol.  IX,  p.  428. 

Sec.  202.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  is,  by  virtue  of 
his  office  and  the  express  provisions  of  the  Consti- 
tution, the  chairman  of  all  commissions  acting  under 
order  of  the  Lodge.  Therefore,  at  the  conclusion  of 
the  trial,  when  the  Commissioners  were  determining 
upon  the  verdict  and  the  sentence,  it  was  wrong  for 
him  to  retire  and  for  them  to  elect  a  chairman. 

Vol.  IX,  p.428. 

Sec.  203.  The  charge  of  fraud — a  serious  offense, 
especially  when  committed  by  a  Mason  against  a 
brother, — should  be  fully  and  clearly  substantiated 
by  the  testimony.     .  Vol.  IX,  pp.  428,  429. 

Sec.  204.  If  a  Lodge  receives  and  rejects  the  peti- 
tion of  a  man  who  is  a  resident  of  another  Lodge 
jurisdiction,  the  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction 
the  man  resides  could  not  immediately  thereafter 
receive  his  petition,  regardless  of  the  action  of  the 


DECISIONS  357 

Lodge  which,  contrary  to  law,  received  his  petition 
and  rejected  it.  The  second  petition  would  bear 
evidence  on  its  face  of  fraud,  inasmuch  as  it  would 
contain  the  declaration  of  such  person  that  he  had 
not  been  rejected  by  any  Lodge  of  Masons  within 
twelve  months  next  preceding,  as  well  as  a  con- 
tradictory statement  as  regard  residence.  A  Lodge 
knowingly  receiving  such  an  application,  would 
imperil  its  charter.  Vol.  IX,  p.  430. 

Sec.  205.  A  resolution  levying  an  assessment  upon 
the  members  of  a  Lodge  is  not  legal.  There  is 
nothing  in  the  Constitution  which  clothes  the  sub- 
ordinate Lodges  with  power  to  enforce  the  payment 
of  money  by  its  members,  except  the  provision  made 
for  the  collection  of  monthly  or  quarterly  dues; 
and  the  penalty  for  refusal  or  neglect  in  that  matter 
is  suspension.  Apart  from  that  provision,  which 
seems  to  have  been  intended  to  guarantee  the  ac- 
cumulation, with  certainty  and  regularity,  of  a  fund 
for  the  payment  of  current  expenses,  all  else  seems 
to  have  been  left  to  the  sense  of  justice  and  spirit 
of  fraternity  by  which  Masons  profess  to  be  in- 
fluenced in  their  intercourse  with  mankind,  and 
especially  with  each  other.  Vol.  IX,  p.  430. 

Sec.  206.  Drunkenness  and  profanity  are  Masonic 
offenses.  Vol.  IX,  p.  447. 

Sec.  207.  Abusive  language  is  in  plain  violation 
of  the  spirit  and  teaching  of  Masonry. 

Vol.  IX,  p.  447. 

Sec.  208.  Swindling  a  brother  is  a  Masonic  of- 
fense. Vol.  IX,  p.  448. 

Sec.  209.  Written  evidence,  such  as  the  proceed- 
ings and  findings  of  a  court  of  justice,  must  appear 
in  the  transcript  of  trial.  Vol.  IX,  p.  449. 


358  DECISIONS 

Sec.  210.  Upon  unfavorable  report  being  made 
by  an  investigating  committee  no  ballot  shall  be 
had,  but  the  Master  shall,  upon  reception  of  the 
report,  declare  the  candidate  rejected.  (See  Const., 
Sec.  3,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III.)  Vol.  X,  p.  151. 

Sec.  211.  A  petition  cannot  go  before  a  Lodge 
until  it  has  received  the  recommendation  of  at  least 
two  of  its  members.  Vol.  X,  p.  151. 

Sec.  212.  For  any  act  wrong  in  itself,  though 
committed  before  his  initiation,  a  Mason  may  be 
tried,  and  very  many  cases  might  be  suggested  in 
which  he  ought  to  be.  It  is  true  that  the  Lodge 
which  received  his  petition,  if  it  knew  of  the  offense 
at  the  time  of  receiving  and  acting  upon  his  peti- 
tion, may  be  said  to  have  condoned  the  offense,  but 
it  could  not  wash  out  the  stain,  and  had  no  right  to 
impose  on  the  body  of  Masonry  an  unworthy  man; 
and  whenever  his  unworthiness  is  known  to  those 
who  will  make  the  proper  complaint,  there  can  be 
no  good  reason  why  the  offender  should  not  be  tried. 
Good  men  only  are  wanted  in  the  Masonic  family, 
and  when  bad  men  get  in,  we  should  take  the 
earliest  oportunity  to  get  them  out.  If  a  Lodge 
knowing  that  an  applicant  for  the  degrees  of  Ma- 
sonry had  been  guilty  of  any  flagrant  crime  which 
would  render  him  a  disgrace  to  the  Craft,  should 
seek  to  condone  and  cover  up  the  offense,  and  give 
character  to  the  offender  by  making  him  a  Mason, 
the  sooner  its  charter  is  arrested  the  better  for  the 
interests  of  the  Fraternity.  Vol.  X,  p.  152. 

Sec.  213.  If  any  Lodge  knowingly  receives  a  peti- 
tion from  one  who  cannot  both  read  and  write,  it  is 
guilty  of  a  flagrant  offense,  and  it  should  be  dealt 
with  accordingly.  Vol.  X,  p.  152. 


359 


Sec.  214.  Every  rule  or  regulation  ordained  by 
this  Grand  Lodge  for  the  good  government  of  the 
Craft  is  so  far  perpetual  that"  it  must  continue  of 
binding  force  until,  in  Grand  Lodge,  it  shall  have 
been  repealed  or  modified;  and  the  resolution  in 
regard  to  Negro  Masons  is  still  in  force  as  a  rule  of 
action  for  all  Masons  recognizing  its  jurisdiction. 

Vol.  X,  p.  153. 

Sec.  215.  The  resolution  forbidding  subordinate 
Lodges  having  any  intercourse  with  li  Negro  Ma- 
sons ' '  is  still  in  force.  Vol.  X,  p.  153. 

Sec.  216.  It  is  competent  for  the  Grand  Lodge 
to  heal,  or  to  authorize  its  subordinates  to  heal, 
Masons  who  have  received  the  degrees  of  Masonry 
in  clandestine  Lodges,  and  to  do  this  at  any  Annual 
Communication;  but  whether  it  would  consider  it 
expedient  to  do  so,  it  will  in  its  wisdom  determine 
whenever  a  proper  case  is  presented  before  it. 

Vol.  X,  p.  153. 

Sec.  217.  It  is  competent  for  any  Masonic  Lodge 
of  this  jurisdiction  to  receive  the  petition  of  any 
person  who  has  resided  within  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia twelve  months,  and  within  its  jurisdiction 
six  months  next  preceding  his  application,  provided 
always  that  he  be  "a  man,  freeborn,  neither  a 
slave  nor  the  son  of  a  bond-woman,  a  believer  in 
God  and  a  future  existence,  of  moral  conduct, 
capable  of  reading  and  writing,  not  deformed  or  dis- 
membered, but  hale  and  sound  in  his  physical  con- 
formation, having  his  right  limbs  as  a  man  ought  to 
have,  and  able  to  conform  literally  to  what  the 
several  degrees  respectively  require  of  himM;  and 
provided,  also,  that  he  has  not  been  rejected  by  any 
Lodge  of  Masons  within  twelve  months  next  pre- 
ceding the  date  of  his  petition.    These  qualifications 


360 


are  indispensable;  but  these  are  all  that  are  re- 
quired. Distinction  of  color  is  no  where  so  much 
as  hinted  at  or  suggested  by  any  word  in  our  Con- 
stitution, Regulations,  or  any  resolution  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  that  has  ever  come  to  the  knowledge 
of  your  committee  .     (See  Sec.  916  and  Reg.  No.  11.) 

Vol.  X,  p.  153. 

Sec.  218.  It  is  competent  for  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  State  of  California  to  grant  charters  to  worthy 
brethren  "without  regard  to  color/ '  as  it  has  ever 
done.  Vol.  X,  p.  153. 

Sec.  219.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  California  recog- 
nizes no  man  as  a  Mason  unless  he  has  regularly 
been  made  one  in  some  Lodge  of  Masons,  acting 
under  a  charter  or  dispensation  from  some  Grand 
Lodge  having  proper  authority  to  grant  such  charter 
or  dispensation.  It  does  not  recognize  any  author- 
ity, except  in  itself,  to  grant  any  charter  or  dispen- 
sation for  a  Masonic  Lodge  in  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia. It  does  not  recognize  any  degree  or  title  of 
33°,  or  any  degrees  except  those  of  Entered  Appren- 
tice, Fellow  Craft  and  Master  Mason,  or  any  titles 
except  those  appropriate  to  the  officers  of  a  Grand 
or  subordinate  Lodge.  Vol.  X,  p.  154. 

Sec.  220.  A  Lodge  might  give,  and  ought  to  give 
to  a  withdrawing  brother  to  whom  it  has  refused  a 
recommendatory  certificate,  a  certificate  substanti- 
ally in  this  form: — 

Hall  of Lodge,  No.  — ,  F.  and  A.  M. 

This  is  to  certify  that  Bro. has  this 

day  paid  his  dues  in  full,  and  withdrawn  from  mem- 
bership in  this  Lodge. 

Attest: ,  Master. 

,  Secretary.  Vol.  X,  p.  154. 


DECISIONS  361 

Sec.  221.  If  an  applicant  elected  to  receive  the 
degrees  in  a  Lodge  does  not  come  forward  to  be  in- 
itiated within  three  months  thereafter,  the  fee  shall 
be  forfeited  unless  the  Lodge  shall  otherwise  direct. 
(Un.  Code  B.  L.,  Sec.  2,  Art.  IV.)        Vol.  X,  p.  154. 

Sec.  222.  A  party  who  had  been  elected  to  receive 
the  degrees  of  Masonry  and  who  had  been  obliged 
by  urgent  business,  requiring  his  personal  attention, 
to  leave  the  State,  and  to  remain  out  of  the  State 
for  six  months,  failed  to  come  forward  for  initiation 
within  three  months.  The  fee  accompanying  his 
petition  would  be,  under  Sec.  2  of  Art.  IV,  of  the 
Uniform  Code  of  By-Laws,  forfeited  to  the  Lodge, 
unless  his  excuse  is  sufficient  and  order  otherwise, 
but  his  election  was  not  annulled  by  his  absence. 
On  his  return  it  was  his  right  to  present  himself  to 
the  Lodge,  and,  if  the  Lodge  had  taken  no  action 
with  respect  to  the  non-forfeiture  of  his  fee,  to 
tender  the  amount  of  the  fee  and  ask  to  be  in- 
itiated; and  it  would  be  the  duty  of  the  Master,  if 
no  objection  were  made,  to  proceed  to  confer  on 
him  the  degrees  of  Masonry  as  in  any  other  cases. 

Vol.  X,  p.  155. 

Sec.  223.  A  Mason  who  has  resided  for  more  than 
six  months  within  the  jurisdiction  of  a  Lodge,  must 
contribute  a  sum  equal  to  six  months'  dues  and 
apply  to  some  Lodge  to  become  a  member  before  he 
can  become  a  petitioner  for  a  dispensation  to  estab- 
lish a  new  Lodge.  Vol.  X,  p.  155. 

Sec.  224.  It  would  be  entirely  proper  and,  in  many 
cases,  specially  desirable  that  the  members  of  a 
Lodge  should,  on  the  coming  in  of  a  favorable  report 
from  an  investigating  committee,  speak  freely 
together  of  the  qualifications  of  the  candidate  and 
of  the  propriety  of  receiving  him  as  a  member  of 


362 


that  Lodge.  The  very  object  of  such  committees  is 
that  the  Lodge  and  all  its  members  may  be  informed 
of  the  fitness  of  the  applicant  to  be  received  into  the 
Masonic  family;  and  if  any  member  of  the  Lodge 
knows  the  candidate  personally,  and  desires  to  state 
any  reasons  why  he  should  be  received,  and  par- 
ticularly if  he  knows  any  reasons  why  he  should  not 
be  received,  let  him  by  all  means  have  an  oppor- 
tunity to  state  them.  The  character  of  every  ap- 
plicant ought  to  be  considered  by  the  Lodge,  and  if 
anyone  would  dislike  to  have  his  character  thor- 
oughly canvassed,  let  him  understand  that  a  Masonic 
Lodge  is  not  the  place  for  him.  If  anyone  asks  us 
to  receive  him  as  a  brother,  we  have  the  right,  and 
it  is  a  duty  we  owe  to  ourselves,  to  be  fully  advised 
of  his  qualifications  and  his  fitness  in  all  respects  to 
be  so  received  before  we  do  receive  him.  If  his 
character  will  not  bear  examination,  let  him  keep 
aloof  from  us.  Vol.  X,  p.  156. 

Sec.  225.  Notice  of  a  special  meeting  to  elect 
Commissioners  must  be  given.  Vol.  X,  p.  157. 

Sec.  226.  The  issue  of  a  summons  is  the  preroga- 
tive of  the  Master,  and  not  of  the  Commissioners. 

Vol.  X,  p.  157. 

Sec.  227.  The  mere  fact  that  charges  have  been 
preferred  against  a  brother  does  not  deprive  him  of 
any  of  his  rights  and  privileges  as  a  Mason,  and 
the  accused  has  a  right  to  be  present  and  have  a 
voice  in  the  selection  of  those  who  are  to  hear  and 
determine  upon  his  case.  Vol.  X,  p.  158. 

Sec.  228.  The  accused,  if  a  member,  must  be  noti- 
fied of  the  meeting  to  elect  Commissioners. 

Vol.  X,  p.  158. 


363 


Sec.  229.  Two  of  the  Commissioners  were  import- 
ant witnesses  in  the  case,  and,  as  appears  in  one  of 
the  papers  filed  with  the  commission,  were  alleged 
to  be  personally  hostile  to  the  accused;  and,  for  this 
reason,  objections  were  made  to  their  sitting  as 
Commissioners  by  the  accused;  which  objections 
were  overruled  by  the  Master.  In  this  the  Master 
erred.  Vol.  X,  p.  158. 

Sec.  230.  The  transcript  must  be  signed,  not  alone 
by  the  Secretary,  but  also  by  the  Commissioners. 

Vol.  X,  pp.  158, 160. 

Sec.  231.  The  transcript  must  bear  the  seal  of 
the  Lodge.  Vol.  X,  p.  158. 

Sec.  232.  Offensive  and  extreme  language  is  a 
Masonic  offense.  Vol.  X,  p.  159. 

Sec.  233.  Cutting  and  seriously  wounding  a 
brother  is  a  Masonic  offense.  Vol.  X,  p.  159. 

Sec.  234.  Using  language  unbecoming  a  gentle- 
man and  Mason  is  a  Masonic  offense. 

Vol.  X,  p.  159. 

Sec.  235.  The  transcript  must  show  that  a  special 
meeting  had  been  called  to  elect  Commissioners,  and 
that  they  were  elected  at  a  special  meeting. 

Vol.  X,  pp.  159, 160. 

Sec.  236.  The  testimony  of  the  witnesses  must  be 
given  in  full.  Vol.  X,  p.  159. 

Sec.  237.  It  must  appear  that  the  witnesses  (if 
Master  Masons)  testified  upon  their  honor  as 
Masons.  Vol.  X,  p.  159. 

Sec.  238.  The  accused  cannot  be  required  to 
testify  against  himself.  Vol.  X,  p.  159. 

Sec.  239.  The  accused  must  be  informed  of  his 
rights,  if  he  appear  without  counsel. 

.  Vol.  X,  p.  159, 


3(54 


Sec.  240.     Immoral  conduct  is  a  Masonic  offense. 

Vol.  X,  p.  160. 

Sec.  241.  The  Master  of  the  Lodge  cannot  be 
elected  as  one  of  the  Commissioners. 

Vol.  X,  p.  160. 

Sec.  242.  The  brother  who  preferred  the  charges 
cannot  sit  as  one  of  the  Commissioners. 

Vol.  X,  p.  160. 

Sec.  243.  The  finding  of  the  Commissioners  must 
not  be  on  a  detached  paper  without  the  seal  of  the 
Lodge.  Vol.  X,  p.  160. 

Sec.  244.  The  willful  and  contemptuous  disobedi- 
ence of  a  summons  should  undoubtedly  subject  the 
offender  to  the  severest  punishment  known  to  our 
laws;  but  before  this  extreme  penalty  is  inflicted, 
the  fact  should  be  clearly  and  indubitably  estab- 
lished that  the  failure  to  obey  the  summons  arose 
from  willful  neglect  or  contempt.      Vol.  X,  p.  161. 

Sec.  245.  Allowing  a  person  not  a  member  of  the 
Lodge  to  see  his  books,  he  being  its  Secretary  at 
the  time,  is  an  offense  deserving  or  a  reprimand. 

Vol.  X,  p.  163. 

Sec.  246.  Non-compliance  with  their  duty  as  com- 
missioners is  a  Masonic  offense.  Vol.  X,  p.  171. 

Sec.  247.  When  a  Lodge  removes  from  one  place 
to  another,  it  rightfully  should  assume  immediate 
and  entire  jurisdiction  over  its  new  territory. 

Vol.  X,  p.  176. 

Sec.  248.  Suppressing  a  paper  while  acting  as 
Secretary  pro  tern,  of  his  Lodge,  is  a  Masonic  crime. 

Vol.  X,  p.  184. 

Sec.  249.  Slandering  the  character  and  impeach- 
ing the  virtue  of  citizens  of  the  community  in  which 
he  lived,  is  a  Masonic  crime.  Vol.  X,  p.  184. 


365 


Sec.  250.  It  is  generally  conceded  that  the  Lodge 
within  whose  jurisdiction  an  applicant  for  restora- 
tion to  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry  resides, 
should  give  its  opinion  on  a  petition  for  such  pur- 
pose. The  Committee  on  Grievances  in  the  Grand 
Lodge  cannot  be  cognizant  of  facts  outside  of  the 
record,  nor  of  the  standing  of  applicants  in  the 
community  where  they  reside.  Vol.  X,  p.  184. 

Sec.  251.  Any  Lodge  which  merely  for  favor,  to 
get  rid  of  an  applicant,  or,  without  proper  and  care- 
ful consideration,  unanimously  recommends  for 
restoration  a  Mason  deprived  of  his  rights  and  priv- 
ileges, commits  a  grievous  wrong.  It  seeks  to  im- 
pose upon  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  may  bring  within 
our  circle  men  in  no  way  reformed  or  corrected  of 
their  evil  ways.  Vol.  X,  p.  184. 

Sec.  252.  A  Masonic  tribunal  should  take  no 
cognizance  of  a  breach  of  contract  or  agreement 
between  members  of  the  Order  unless  moral  turpi- 
tude is  involved.  It  is  not  the  province  of  the 
tribunals  of  Masonry  to  adjust  mere  legal  rights, 
whether  pecuniary  or  otherwise,  as  the  Courts  of  law 
afford  all  the  necessary  facilities  for  the  adjustment 
of  such  questions.  Vol.  X,  p.  185;  Vol.  XIV,  p.  186; 
Vol.  XV,  p.  686;  Vol.  XVI,  p.  732. 

Sec.  253.  Swindling  a  brother  is  a  Masonic  of- 
fense. Vol.  X,  p.  185. 

Sec.  254.  The  crime  of  embezzlement  is  one  of  the 
greatest.  Masonry  seeks  to  attain  a  higher  object 
than  that  of  glossing  over  the  misdeeds  of  its  mem- 
bers, and  should  make  no  distinction  among  its 
members.  Vol.  X,  p.  187. 

Sec.  255.  The  Grand  Lodge  expects  every  Lodge 
within  this  jurisdiction,  so  far  as  it  is  able  to  do  so, 


366 


to  see  that  the  needy  of  its  own  membership  and 
neighborhood  are  not  made  a  burden  to  others. 

Vol.  X,  p.  191. 

Sec.  256.  No  Master  ot  a  Lodge  in  this  State 
shall  be  installed  until  he  shall  have  produced  to  the 
installing  officer  the  certificate  of  the  Grand  Lec- 
turer, or  of  the  Inspector  of  the  District  in  which 
such  Lodge  is  situated,  that  he  is  qualified  to  give 
the  work  and  lectures  entire  in  the  three  degrees; 
and  such  certificate,  indorsed  by  the  installing  officer, 
shall  be  forwarded  by  him  to  the  Grand  Lecturer,  to 
be  kept  on  file  in  his  office.  (See  Sec.  771a  and 
Regulation  56.)  Vol.  X,  pp.  195,  588. 

Sec.  257.  The  intendment  of  our  Constitution  is 
that  a  dimitted  Mason  should  apply  for  affiliation  to 
the  Lodge  where  he  resides.  (See  Sec.  697.) 

Vol.  X,  p.  395. 

Sec.  258.  If  a  decedent — a  member  of  our  Order 
and  of  some  other  society — is  to  receive  Masonic 
burial,  the  rites  of  the  Craft  must  have  the  pre- 
cedence; and  so  it  should  be  with  all  other  cere- 
monies. Vol.  X,  p.  418. 

Sec.  259.  Neither  the  Grand  Master  nor  the  Grand 
Lodge  has  the  right  to  inquire  of  any  individual 
Mason  why  he  exercises  his  vote  against  the  admis- 
sion of  any  applicant  for  initiation  or  membership. 

Vol.  X,  p.  552. 

Sec.  260.  If  a  negro  who  has  been  made  a  Mason 
in  any  just  Lodge  of  Masons,  holding  its  charter 
from  any  Grand  Body  with  which  we  are  on  terms 
of  amity,  asks  admission  to  our  Lodges,  he  will  be 
admitted  and  will  receive  the  same  attention  as  any 
other  brother.  We  do  not  regard  his  nationality, 
race,  or  color,  but  only  the  regularity  of  his  making. 
(See  Sees.  303  and  790.)  « Vol.  X,  p.  552. 


367 


Sec.  261.  From  the  earliest  times  there  has  been 
in  the  United  States  a  distinct  understanding  be- 
tween the  Grand  Lodges  and  the  governing  bodies 
of  the  Scottish  Bite,  that  the  Grand  Lodges  should 
have  exclusive  control  of  the  first  three  degrees,  by 
whatever  Bite  conferred.  Among  them,  questions  of 
jurisdiction  are  well  settled,  and  the  right  of  each 
Grand  Body  to  regulate  its  own  domestic  affairs  is 
fully  recognized.  Vol.  X,  p.  552. 

Sec.  262.  It  is  the  right  of  every  Grand  Lodge 
on  this  continent  to  govern  the  Craft  within  its  own 
territorial  limits  in  such  wise  as  shall  to  it  seem 
best  adapted  to  promote  the  interests  of  Masonry, 
and  to  exercise  exclusive,  supreme  and  perpetual 
control  over  the  first  three  degrees  of  Masonry 
within  those  limits.  Vol.  X,  p.  553. 

Sec.  263.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Master  to  bring 
offenders  to  trial.  He  must  see  to  it  that  his  own 
household  is  kept  in  order.  But  where  charges  have 
been  preferred  against  an  offending  brother,  the  law 
prescribes  what  shall  be  done.  Vol.  X,  p.  554. 

Sec.  264.  Trial  Commissioners  in  a  Masonic  Court 
must  act  upon  their  own  convictions  in  determining 
from  the  evidence  as  to  the  guilt  or  innocence  of  the 
accused,  and  they  alone  are  responsible  for  thier  own 
action.  The  Master  presides  and  declares  the  law; 
the  Commissioners  are  the  sole  judges  of  the  facts 
proven,  and,  ordinarily,  they  are  accountable  only 
to  their  own  consciences  for  the  motives  by  which 
they  are  actuated.  Vol.  X,  p.  554. 

Sec.  265.  In  a  clear  case,  when  the  facts  are  ad- 
mitted and  the  law  is  plain,  only  one  verdict  could 
be  honestly  reached,  and  it  might  well  be  said  that 
Commissioners  who  should,  in  disregard  of  the  duty 


368  DECISIONS 

they  owed  to  themselves,  their  Lodges,  and  the 
great  body  of  Masons,  render  a  verdict  of  acquittal 
in  such  a  case,  were  no  longer  worthy  to  wear  the 
badge  of  a  Mason.  Charges  might  properly  be  pre- 
ferred against  them,  for,  by  their  perfidy,  they  had 
shown  themselves  deserving  the  severest  penalty 
known  to  our  laws.  Vol.  X,  p.  554. 

Sec.  266.  It  is  difficult  to  conceive  even  of  a  case 
where  the  Lodge  should  be  held  responsible  for  the 
faithlessness  of  a  Board  of  Trial  Commissioners, 
over  whose  acts  it  neither  can  have  nor  ought  to 
have  any  control.  Vol.  X,  p.  554. 

Sec.  267.  An  applicant  who  has  lost  one  eye  does 
not  come  up  to  the  standard  of  qualification  required 
by  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  cannot  be  made  a  Mason. 
(See  Sec.  916  and  Reg.  11.) 

Vol.  X,  p.  555;  Vol.  XI,  p.  585. 

Sec.  268.  Your  committee,  after  a  very  careful 
research,  have  been  unable  to  find  any  law  of  Ma- 
sonry, or  to  discover  any  principle  of  Masonic  juris- 
prudence, which  forbids  the  circulation  among  the 
Craft  of  even  an  l '  electioneering  document, ' '  with  a 
view  to  influence  elections,  provided  always  such 
documents  be  truthful  in  its  statements.  (See  Sees. 
165  and  749a).        Vol  X,  p.  559;  Vol.  XI,  p.  195. 

Sec.  269.  Your  committee  are  not  advised  of  any 
law  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  or  of  Masonry,  that  directs 
what  matters  shall  or  shall  not  be  inserted  or  stated 
in  the  addresses,  reports  or  ofiicial  papers  of  the 
officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  or  of  any  law  that 
would  be  violated  by  the  insertion  in  such  address, 
report  or  official  paper  of  any  truthful  and  pertinent 
matter,  even  if  it  were  intended  to  have  a  direct 
influence  upon  an  election.     (See  Sec.  165  and  749a.) 

Vol.  X,  p.  559. 


DECISIONS  369 

Sec.  270.  There  is  not  only  no  law  forbidding  the 
making  of  nominations  for  officers  in  a  subordinate 
Lodge,  but  common  sense  would  seem  to  indicate 
that  such  a  course  would  not  only  tend  to  facilitate 
business,  but  to  preserve  the  harmony  of  the  Lodge. 

Vol.  X,  p.  561. 

Sec.  271.  Temperance  is  one  of  our  cardinal  vir- 
tues, "and  should  be  the  constant  practice  of  every 
Mason. ' '  From  our  duty  to  ourselves  result  all  those 
virtues,  the  practice  of  which  enables  us  to  dis- 
charge the  obligations  we  owe  to  society,  our  family, 
and  our  friends.  In  neglecting  this  duty,  by  abusing 
the  bounties  of  Providence,  by  impairing  our  facul 
ties  by  irregularity,  and  by  debasing  our  profession 
by  intemperance,  we  violate  the  moral  law  and  are 
guilty  of  a  Masonic  crime.  Vol.  X,  p.  564. 

Sec.  272.  Gambling  is  also  declared  to  be  a  Ma- 
sonic offense  in  the  old  charges.  The  ancient  charge 
on  this  subject  at  the  making  of  a  Freemason,  was 
that  "a  Mason  must  be  no  common  player  at  the 
cards,  dice,  or  hazard. ' '  Vol.  X,  p.  564. 

Sec.  273.  That  obtaining  money  from  a  brother 
by  promising  payment  from  a  particular  source, 
which  promise  was  violated,  no  one  can  doubt  to  be 
a  Masonic  offense,  for  "to  be  good  and  true  is  the 
first  lesson  we  are  taught  in  Masonry. ' ? 

Vol.  X,  p.  564. 

Sec.  274.  The  object  of  the  Committee  on  Griev 
ances  in  the  Grand  Lodge  being  to  do  even  and 
exact  justice,  it  has  been  the  invariable  rule  always 
to  hear  and  consider  any  additional  evidence  that 
may  be  aduced  before  them,  either  on  the  part  of 
the  accuser  or  the  accused. 

Vol.  X,  pp.  565,  584. 


370 


Sec.  275.  It  is  not  necessary  that  all  of  the  Com- 
missioners elected  to  try  a  case  should  be  present. 
The  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge  requires  only 
that  "the  judgment  of  a  majority  of  the  Commis- 
sioners shall  be  taken  as  the  decision  of  the  whole. ' ' 

Vol.  X,  pp.  565,  584. 

Sec.  276.  The  Lodge  may  at  any  time  remit  the 
dues  of  a  member  suspended  for  non-payment 
thereof,  and  by  that  act  restore  the  standing  of  the 
party  as  effectually  as  he  could  restore  himself  by 
payment.     (See  Const.,  Sec.  11,  Art.  Ill,  Part.  III.) 

Vol.  X,  p.  566. 

Sec.  277.  Admissions  of  the  accused  before  the 
Commissioners  can  be  accepted  as  evidence. 

Vol.  X,  p.  569. 

Sec.  278.  A  verdict  should  be  rendered  of  either 
"guilty"  or  "not  guilty' '  upon  each  specification 
or  part  of  a  specification,  so  that  the  accused,  the 
Lodge,  and  the  Grand  Lodge,  may  know  the  specific 
offense  of  which  he  has  been  convicted.  If  acquitted 
on  all  specifications,  the  accused  is  entitled  to  a  ver- 
dict of  not  guilty  on  the  charge.  If  found  guilty  of 
any  part  of  the  specifications,  it  is  then  to  be  de- 
cided whether  or  not  he  is  guilty  of  unmasonic  con- 
duct, for  it  might  be  that  the  facts  proven  and 
found  would  not  render  him  amenable  to  Masonic 
censure.  Vol.  X,  p.  569. 

Sec.  279.  The  mere  fact  that  a  Mason  is  unable 
to  pay  his  indebtedness  to  a  brother  is  not  a  Ma- 
sonic offense.  "To  warrant  an  appeal  to  Masonic 
censure,  the  case  must  involve  a  willful  and  deliber- 
ate disregard  of  moral  and  Masonic  duty,  and  an 
intention,  knowingly  and  willfully,  to  cheat  and 
defraud  a  brother. » ?  Vol.  X,  p.  569. 


DECISIONS  371 

Sec.  280.  When  the  Commissioners  failed  to  meet 
at  the  time  to  which  they  had  adjourned,  no  further 
time  having  been  granted  them  prior  to  adjournment 
by  order  of  the  Master,  the  Commission,  ipso  facto, 
was  dissolved.  Vol.  X,  p.  570. 

Sec.  281.  It  is  an  error  for  the  Commission,  after 
dismissing  the  accuser  and  accused  from  further 
attendance,  to  recall  the  accuser  and  examine  him  in 
the  absence  of  the  accused.  Vol.  X,  p.  570. 

Sec.  282.  A  Lodge  should  always  retain  the  con- 
trol of  its  own  funds,  and  never  leave  them  to  the 
disposition  and  management  of  a  body  which, 
though  created  within  itself,  might  at  any  time 
refuse  to  obey  or  be  guided  by  its  directions.  A 
Lodge  has  now,  under  the  laws  of  the  State,  all  the 
power  requisite  for  the  management  of  its  own  con- 
cerns; and  the  creation  of. a  corporation  within  a 
Lodge,  for  the  management  of  any  of  its  funds, 
would  be  not  only  impolitic,  but  of  dangerous  ten- 
dency. (See  also  Sees.  489,  512,  and  856;  also  Art. 
Ill;  Eeg.  No.  72.)  Vol.  X,  p.  577  and  Vol.  XIII,  pp. 
22,    197,   420    and   620. 

Sec.  283.  While  it  is  the  duty  of  a  Lodge  to  hold 
an  election  at  the  time  stated  for  such  purpose,  yet 
the  failure  to  do  so  in  no  manner  conduces  to  pre- 
vent the  Lodge  from  performing  any  of  its  neces- 
sary work  or  duties — the  old  officers  holding  their 
positions  until  their  successors  are  installed.  The 
Lodge  should  endeavor  to  obtain  a  dispensation  to 
elect  its  officers  as  soon  as  possible,  but  in  the  mean- 
time no  privilege  or  prerogative  of  the  Lodge  is 
necessarily  impaired.  Vol.  X,  p.  578. 

Sec.  284.  It  is  the  American  doctrine  and  has  be- 
come the  common  law  at  Masonry  that,  whenever  an 


372 


independent  State  is  formed,  the  Lodges  within 
it  are  at  liberty,  and  possess  the  absolute  right,  im- 
mediately to  throw  off  their  former  allegiance,  to 
form  an  independent  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  compel 
all  Masons  and  Masonic  Lodges,  within  the  terri- 
torial limits  of  the  new  State,  to  abandon  all  other 
allegiance  and  to  swear  fealty  to  the  new  Grand 
Lodge.  This  is  practically  the  rule  in  the  United 
States,  because  no  Grand  Lodge  in  the  United  States 
institutes  Lodges  outside  the  territorial  limits  of 
the  State  in  which  it  is  located,  except  for  tempor- 
ary purposes,  or  claims  to  exercise  exclusive  juris- 
diction beyond  the  territorial  limits  of  its  own  State. 

Vol.  X,  p.  579. 

Sec.  285.  The  Commissioners  must  sign  the  whole 
record  and  not  the  findings  only.         Vol.  X,  p.  583. 

Sec.  286.     The  Master  must  preside  at  the  trial. 

Vol.  X,  pp.  160,  583. 

Sec.  287.     Hearsay  evidence  cannot  be  taken. 

Vol.  X,  p.  583. 

Sec.  288.  Evidence  should  be  given  as  it  came 
from  the  mouth  of  the  witness.  Vol.  X,  p.  583. 

Sec.  289.  Such  statements  in  a  record  as  that  the 
witness  testified,  "in  effect,  that  the  facts  set  forth 
in  the  charge  were  true  to  his  own  knowledge,"  are 
not  suflicient.  Vol.  X,  p.  583. 

Sec.  290.  It  was  held  to  be  an  error  where  the 
trial  was  had  without  the  service  of  a  summons  upon 
the  accused,  it  not  appearing  that  his  residence  was 
unknown.  Vol.  X,  p.  584. 

Sec.  291.  The  transcript  must  show  that  the 
Master  presided  at  the  trial;  that  the  accused  was 
summoned;  and  also  whether  the  accused  appeared 
at  the  trial.  Vol.  X,  p.  584. 


373 


Sec.  292.  A  charge  should  be  free  from  duplicity. 
There  should  be  a  general  charge  of  unmasonic  con- 
duct, and  the  distinct  offenses  complained  of  should 
be  set  out  with  sufficient  certainty  in  separate  speci- 
fications. Vol.  X,  p.  584. 

Sec.  293.  There  should  be  a  general  charge  of  un- 
masonic conduct,  and  the  distinct  offenses  complained 
of  should  be  set  out  with  sufficient  certainty  in  sep- 
arate specifications.  Vol.  X,  p.  584. 

Sec.  294.  A  party  cannot  be  admitted,  after  sub- 
mitting his  case  to  the  Court  and  the.  rendition  of 
an  adverse  decision,  to  object  to  the  competency  of 
the  Court.     It  is  entirely  too  late. 

Vol.  X,  p.  584. 

Sec.  295.  The  Master  shall,  on  the  night  on 
which  the  action  of  the  Commissioners  is  reported 
to  the  Lodge,  announce  the  result  and  direct  the 
Secretary  to  record  the  same  as  the  judgment  of  the 
Lodge.    No  discussion  must  be  allowed. 

Vol.  X,  p.  585. 

Sec.  296.  Habitual  intemperance,  or  being  a  com- 
mon drunkard,  is  a  grievous  Masonic  offense,  and 
deserving  of  the  severest  punishment.  But  an  occa- 
sional over-indulgence,  though  not  excusable,  will 
not  constitute  a  man  a  common  drunkard. 

Vol.  X,  p.  585. 

Sec.  297.  The  Commissioners  at  their  first  meet- 
ing elected  a  chairman,  and,  although  the  Master 
was  present  during  the  trial  and  ruled  upon  the  legal 
questions  which  arose,  yet,  upon  the  conclusion  of 
the  testimony,  he  retired,  leaving  the  Commissioners 
to  deliberate  upon  their  finding  and  sentence.  A 
Court  thus  constituted  is  not  constitutional,  as  the 
fundamental   law    of    the    Grand   Lodge    makes    the- 


374 


Master  the  presiding  officer  in  all  stages  of  a  trial. 

Vol.  X,  p.  586. 

Sec.  298.  The  Constitution  provides  that  any 
Master  Mason  in  good  standing  may  appear  as 
counsel.  The  Master  ruled  that  one  who  presented 
himself  as  such  could  not  act  as  counsel  for  the'  ac- 
cused on  account  of  his  being  a  non-affiliated  Mason. 
The  mere  fact  of  being  non-affiliated  does  not  always 
disqualify  a  brother  from  acting  as  counsel;  for, 
though  non-affiliated,  he  may  be  in  good  standing. 

Vol.  X,  p.  586. 

Sec.  299.  The  Constitution  provides  that  the 
record  of  the  trial  shall  be  filed  for  safe-keeping 
among  the  archives  of  the  subordinate  Lodges,  and 
that  a  transcript  thereof  shall  be  sent  to  the  Grand 
Secretary  in  certain  cases.  It  would  be  singular  if 
the  Lodges  could  not  understand  so  plain  a  pro- 
vision, and  could  not  distinguish  between  an  original 
and  a  copy,  which  is  what  a  transcript  is. 

Vol.  X,  p.  587. 

Sec.  300.  The  Grand  Master  is  authorized  to 
divide  the  districts  as  he  may  deem  necessary,  and 
to  appoint  Inspectors  for  such  new  districts. 

Vol.  X,  p.  588. 

Sec.  301.  Eendering  a  verdict  of  acquittal  in  de- 
spite of  the  most  indubitable  proof  of  guilt,  is  suffi- 
cient cause  for  charges  against  a  Commissioner. 

Vol.  X,  p.  593. 

Sec.  302.  In  1873,  Grand  Master  Leonidas  E. 
Pratt  decided  that  sitting  in  a  Chapter  of  Eoyal 
Arch  Masons  with  a  given  individual  in  this  juris- 
diction entitles  the  brothers  so  sitting  to  vouch  for 
such  individual  to  a  Lodge  of  Master  Masons. 

The  Grand  Lodge  seems  to  have  expressed  no 
opinion  as  to  the  correctness  of  this  decision.     That 


375 


it  is  correct  there  can  be  no  doubt,  inasmuch  as 
before  the  individual  could  enter  a  Royal  Arch 
Chapter,  he  must  have  been  either  vouched  for  or 
examined  as  a  Master  Mason.  Vol.  XI,  p.  24. 

(Overruled:    See  Sec.  985.) 

Sec.  303.  The  color  of  the  skin  is  a  consideration 
to  be  entirely  disregarded.  No  tests  should  be 
adopted  but  those  of  regularity,  character,  manhood, 
and  intelligence.  A  colored  Mason  is  entitled  to 
visit,  and  the  mere  fact  of  color  should  be  disre- 
garded; it  is  not  sufficient  reason  to  justify  a  Master 
Mason  in  excluding  him.     (See  Sees.  260  and  790.) 

Vol.  XI,  pp.  24, 180. 

Sec.  304.  A  Masonic  Lodge  is  established  for  cer- 
tain purposes  of  charity  and  society,  and  gathers  its 
funds  for  the  promotion  of  those  purposes.  For  such 
purposes  it  has  the  inaleinable  right  to  expend  all 
its  available  funds,  and,  if  need  be,  to  call  upon  its 
members  for  unusual  contributions.  .It  holds  its 
funds  in  trust  for  those  purposes,  and  none  other, 
and  whenever  it  uses  them,  or  allows  them  to  be 
used  for  any  other,  it  becomes  false  to  its  trust,  and 
should  be  held  to  strict  account.  It  is  humiliating 
to  know,  and,  knowing,  to  confess,  that  there  could 
be  found  a  majority  in  any  Lodge  in  this  State  with 
so  little  appreciation  of  the  spirit  and  objects  of 
Masonry,  and  with  so  little  regard  for  the  welfare 
and  good  name  of  their  Lodge,  as  to  consent  to 
divert  its  funds  from  their  legitimate  uses  and 
employ  them  for  their  private  amusements  and 
gratifications.  It  is  well  enough,  if  the  members  of 
a  Lodge  choose  to  give  dinners  or  collations  to  their 
newly  installed  officers,  and  can  afford  to  pay  for 
them,  that  they  should  do  so;  but  it  is  simply  shame- 
ful for  them  to  take  the  funds  of  the  Lodge  to  pay 


376 


their  bills,  and  particularly  so  to  borrow  money  in 
the  name  and  on  the  faith  of  the  Lodge  for  such  use. 
(See  Regulations  57  and  59;  also  Sec.  915.) 

Vol.  XI,  p.  174;  Vol.  XII,  p.  499;  Vol.  XV,  p.  686. 

Sec.  305.  No  Lodge  should  suffer  any  one  of  its 
members  to  be  suspended  without  knowing  that  he 
has  been  willfully  or,  at  least,  culpably  negligent  in 
the  matter  of  paying  his  dues,  for  it  is  a  grievous 
wrong  to  declare  and  publish  a  Mason  as  suspended 
when  there  is  no  just  cause  for  suspension.  Theoreti- 
cally the  Master  and  Wardens  are  supposed  to  know 
the  condition  and  circumstances  of  every  member  of 
their  Lodge,  and  it  is  only  just  that  they  should 
cause  proper  inquiry  to  be  made  before  anyone  is 
suspended  for  any  cause.  It  is  true  the  law  declares 
that  he  shall  be  suspended  if  no  cause  is  shown  why 
he  should  not  be,  after  he  has  been  notified,  but  it 
is  so  declared  on  the  presumption  that  some  member 
of  the  Lodge  will  know  the  circumstances  of  the 
delinquent,  and  will  show  cause  for  him  if  he  cannot 
do  so  for  himself.  The  Lodge,  before  allowing  any 
one  of  its  members  to  be  declared  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues,  should  be  certain  of  three 
things: — 

1st.  That  he  has  been  in  fact  notified,  otherwise 
he  cannot,  or  should  not,  be  so  declared; 

2d.  That  if  notified  otherwise  than  be  service  of 
notice  by  the  Tyler  or  other  person  properly  deputed 
for  that  duty,  he  has  had  a  reasonable  time  within 
which  to  show  cause  why  he  should  not  be  sus- 
pended; and 

3d.  That  he  has  the  ability  to  pay,  and  that  his 
neglect  is  willful,  or,  at  least,  culpable,  for  otherwise 
he  ought  not  to  be  suspended.  Vol.  X,  p.  182. 


377 


Sec.  306.  Formerly  all  charges  for  Masonic  of- 
fenses were  tried  only  in  the  General  Assemblies  of 
Masons,  but  upon  the  organization  of  Grand  Lodges 
the  jurisdiction  devolved  upon  them.  For  conveni- 
ence this  Grand  Lodge  has  delegated  to  its  subord- 
inates powers  to  try  offenses;  and,  in  the  exercise  of 
this  power,  the  subordinates  and  the  Commissioners 
they  select,  act,  not  from  any  inherent  power,  but 
for  and  on  behalf  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  which  retains 
complete  control  and  supervision  over  all  the  pro- 
ceedings. This  delegation  of  power  -to  the  subordin- 
ates is  not  exclusive,  for  the  Grand  Lodge  cannot 
divest  itself  of  this,  one  of  its  fundamental  rights, 
but  retains  the  power  to  try  and  punish  offenders  by 
the  action  of  its  own  body.  Vol.  XI,  p.  199. 

Sec.  307.  It  is  singular  that,  when  the  Grand 
Lodge  has  so  repeatedly  decided  that  habitual  in- 
temperance is  a  Masonic  offense,  we  should  be  so 
frequently  compelled  to  review  cases  in  which  the 
only  ground  of  appeal  is  that  an  habitual  drunkard 
is  not  amenable  to  Masonic  law.       Vol.  XI,  p.  200. 

Sec.  308.  If  the  accused  was  charged,  in  substance, 
with  defrauding  a  brother  Master  Mason.  The  testi- 
mony showed  that  the  accused  bought  a  bill  of 
lumber,  etc.,  from  a  firm  of  which  the  brother  was 
a  member,  amounting  to  $1,027;  that  this  material 
was  used  in  the  erection  of  a  dwelling;  that  the  ac- 
cused employed  counsel  to  prevent  the  collection  of 
the  debt,  and  finally  sold  the  house  for  $3,600,  but 
did  not  pay  the  first  dollar  of  the  bill  for  the  lumber. 
No  excuse  whatever  is  shown  for  not  paying  the 
debt  out  of  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  the  house, 
and  your  committee  believing  that  the  facts  proven 
established  a  case  of  willful  and  deliberate  fraud, 
cannot  see  that  the  Commissioners  erred.     Had  the 


UfcClMUINS 


sentence  been  expulsion  they  would  not  have  inter- 
fered with  it.  Vol.  XI,  p  .  200. 

Sec.  309.  An  objection  is  made  by  the  accused  to 
the  specifications  upon  which  he  was  convicted,  on 
the  ground  that  it  was  not  sufficiently  specific;  but 
all  that  part  of  the  specification  in  which  the  in- 
sufficiency was  alleged  to  exist  can  be  stricken  out, 
and  yet  leave  a  good  and  valid  specification  of 
fraud.  Mere  technical  objections  cannot  avail  here. 
The  object  of  the  Fraternity  is  to  do  strict  justice, 
and  when  that  has  been  done,  without  the  infringe- 
ment of  any  of  the  rights  of  the  accused,  techni- 
calities cannot  stay  the  judgment. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  200. 

Sec.  310.  It  appears  from  the  transcript  that,  on 
the  trial,  the  accused  gave  notice  to  the  Commis- 
sioners that  the  Master  had  sent  for  the  deposition 
of  a  witness  to  be  used  on  the  trial,  but  the  Commis- 
sioners determined  to  proceed  without  the  deposi- 
tion— which  they  did — the  trial  being  concluded  on 
the  day  appointed  by  the  Master  for  the  first  meet- 
ing of  the  Commission.  This  was  wrong.  The  ac- 
cuser, as  well  as  the  accused,  should  always  have  an 
opportunity  to  produce  his  testimony,  that  strict 
justice  may  be  done.  Vol.  XI,  p.  201. 

Sec.  311.  It  was  objected  that  two  of  the  Com- 
missioners participated  in  the  latter  part  of  the  trial 
who  had  not  heard  all  the  evidence.  The  objection 
was  not  admitted.  Vol.  XI,  p.  202. 

Sec.  312.     Hearsay  evidence  cannot  be  admitted. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  202. 
Sec.  313.    The  fact  that  the  findings  and  sentence 
were  the  judgment  of  the  majority  of  the  Commis- 


sioners,  who  had  heard  all  the  evidence,  is  of  itself 
sufficient  to  sustain  the  action  of  the  Lodge. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  202. 

Sec.  314.  If  a  brother  is  unworthy  to  be  a  Mason, 
he  should  be  expelled;  but  so  long  as  he  remains  a 
member  of  the  Fraternity,  he  must  be  treated  with 
kindness,  courtesy,  and  brotherly  love;  and  any 
brother  who  speaks  disparagingly  of  him  is  amen- 
able to  Masonic  punishment.  Vol.  XI,  p.  203. 

Sec.  315.  To  reject  a  given  applicant,  whoever  he 
may  be,  is  the  sacred  right  of  any  member  of  a 
Lodge.  No  one  may  demand,  nor  is  he  at  liberty  to 
disclose,  his  reasons.  He  is  the  sole  judge  thereof. 
They  may  well  be  of  too  delicate  a  character  to  be 
disclosed.  He  must  settle  the  question  of  their  suffi- 
ciency with  his  own  conscience  and  manly  sense  of 
right  and  wrong,  and  his  decision  must  be  a  finality. 
If  indeed  some  factious  brother  is  found  habitually 
rejecting  all  applicants  in  utter  disregard  of  their 
worth  or  character,  and  for  the  mere  sake  of  reject- 
ing them — or  through  malice  or  prejudice  or  some 
unfounded  ill-feeling  toward  the  Lodge  or  the  per- 
son of  the  applicant — or  for  reasons  of  class  or 
religion  or  politics — or  from  any  unmasonic  or  un- 
worthy motive,  openly  and  avowedly  declared — such 
brother  would  himself  be  a  proper  subject  for  dis- 
cipline, and  ought  to  be  speedily  and  remorselessly 
cast  out;  for  these  are  or  may  be  conditions  which 
would  render  the  casting  of  a  black  ball  a  Masonic 
offense.  The  existence  of  such  conditions  must  not 
be  assumed.  A  belief  of  them  is  to  be  accepted  only 
on  indubitable  evidence.  Vol.  XI,  p.  209. 

Sec.  316.  The  right  to  refuse  a  recommendatory 
certificate  is  somewhat  analogous  to  the  right  to 
reject  an  applicant.    No  member  can  be  required  to 


disclose  his  reasons  for  his  vote  on  such  a  question. 
It  may  well  happen  that  he  who  asks  for  a  dimit 
may  be  of  such  a  character  that  the  brethren  do  not 
choose  to  recommend  him  to  the  Masonic  world, 
and  yet  his  conduct  in  no  particular  be  so  flagrantly 
wrong  that  charges  could  be  maintained  against 
him.  But  this  right  of  negative  vote  is  susceptible 
of  abuse.  Every  Mason  has  a  right  to  elect  his 
Masonic  home.  If  a  member  desiring  to  withdraw 
should  ask  a  recommendatory  certificate,  no  one  has 
a  right  to  inquire  why  he  asks  it.  That  is  his  per- 
sonal matter.  Unless  there  is  some  cause  for  not 
recommending  him,  such  certificate  should  be 
granted.  But  if  there  be  such  cause,  then  each  mem- 
ber must  determine  for  himself  as  to  the  sufficiency 
of  that  cause,  and  vote  accordingly.  If,  however,  a 
member  should  vote  in  the  negative,  and  at  the  same 
time  openly  avow  that  there  was  no  reason  for  it, 
or,  in  a  spirit  of  retaliation  for  some  fancied  wrong, 
or  to  hamper  or  embarrass  the  action  of  the  Lodge 
and  interrupt  its  harmony,  should  avow  reasons 
utterly  unmasonic,  and  resting  only  in  personal  ill- 
will,  prejudice,  or  malice,  such  member  himself 
would  be  a  proper  subject  for  charges  and  punish- 
ment.    (See  Eegulation  75.)  Vol.  XI,  p.  209. 

Sec.  317.  The  will  of  the  majority  is  the  law  of  a 
Masonic  Lodge,  and  he  who  does  not  yield  a  cheer- 
ful obedience  to  that  will,  when  fairly  expressed, 
proves  himself  unworthy  of  the  fraternal  confidence 
and  trust  of  his  brethren.  Vol.  XI,  p.  210. 

Sec.  318.  The  power  of  the  Grand  Master  is  ample 
to  take  such  action  as  may  be  necessary  to  restore 
harmony  in  the  Lodge,  and,  if  that  cannot  be 
effected,  to  arrest  the  charter.  Your  committee 
think  that  he  ought  to  do  so,  unless  the  members  of 


UI.\*l!>l\jr*0 


the  Lodge,  within  some  reasonable  time,  can  restore 
harmony  among  themselves.  Vol.  XI,  p.  211. 

Sec.  319.  A  Master  re-elected  must  furnish  a  cer- 
tificate of  qualification  before  he  can  be  installed. 
(See  Sec.  383.)  Vol.  XI,  p.  211. 

Sec.  320.  Upon  the  conclusion  of  the  testimony 
against  him,  the  accused  asked  for  a  continuance 
that  he  might  have  an  opportunity  to  prepare  his 
final  defense,  but  his  application  was  denied,  and 
the  Commissioners  proceeded  to  dispose  of  the  case. 
This  was  wrong.  The  accused  should  always  have 
an  opportunity  to  introduce  his  testimony  that 
strict  justice  may  be  done.  For  this  error  the 
judgment  must  be  reversed.  Vol.  XI,  p.  212. 

Sec.  321.  The  Master,  in  permitting  the  accuser 
to  apply  abusive  epithets  to  the  accused  without 
checking  or  in  any  way  attempting  to  prevent  him, 
failed  to  discharge  his  duty.  For  such  language  the 
accuser  should  be  tried  and  punished  by  the  Lodge. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  212. 

Sec.  322.  A  number  of  years  ago  it  was  deter- 
mined by  your  committee  that  they  would  never 
recommend  the  restoration  of  a  suspended  or  ex- 
pelled Mason  who  had  removed  beyond  our  jurisdic- 
tion, unless  satisfactory  evidence  was  furnished  by 
the  action  of  a  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction  he 
at  the  time  resided,  duly  certified  that  the  applicant 
was  worthy,  and  that  his  standing  and  character 
were  such  as  would  entitle  him  to  affiliation  with 
such  Lodge  should  he  be  restored;  as  they  did  not 
think  it  right  to  restore  one  with  whom  the  Frater- 
nity of  his  jurisdiction  would  not  affiliate. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  213. 

Sec.  323.  Master  Masons,  individually  or  asso- 
ciated, violate  the  true  spirit  and  unwritten  laws  of 


Masonry  when  use  is  made  of  the  name  or  the 
emblems  of  Masonry  for  the  purpose  of  advertising 
their  business.     (See  Vol.  XIV,  p.  563.) 

Vol.  XI,  p.  221. 
Sec.  324.    Want  of  respect  to  Masonic  superiors  is 
an  offense  for  which  the  transgressor  subjects  him- 
self to  punishment.  Vol.  XI,  p.  222. 

Sec.  325.  The  Master  elect,  having  been  duly  re- 
elected, no  reconsideration  was  in  order,  the  first 
election  holding  good,  without  the  brother  per- 
emptorily declines;  if  so,  a  dispensation  will  be 
necessary  for  another  election.  It  is  not  essential  to 
install  immediately.  Vol.  XI,  pp.  466,  598. 

Sec.  326.  A  brother  under  sentence  of  reprimand 
by  a  Lodge  in  whose  jurisdiction  he  resides,  can  be 
so  disciplined,  even  though  he  may  at  the  time  be 
under  the  penalty  of  suspension  in  his  own  Lodge. 
A  member  of  the  Fraternity  so  careless  in  his 
actions  under  the  penalty  of  suspension  in  one 
Lodge,  as  to  incur  reprimand  from  a  Lodge  in  an- 
other jurisdiction,  should  be  expelled  from  the 
Order.  Vol.  XI,  p.  466. 

Sec.  327.  It  is  proper  and  requisite  that  a  Master 
carry  his  gavel  at  funerals  and  general  public  oc- 
casions, as  his  Lodge  is  under  his  full  and  executive 
control.  Being  at  refreshment,  the  Marshal  is  act- 
ing subordinate  to  the  direction  of  the  Master,  and 
the  brethren  must  implicitly  obey  the  gavel  on  such 
occasions,  thereby  enabling  the  decorum  and  pro- 
priety of  their  actions  to  be  fraternally  preserved. 
The  brethren  are  always  expected  to  comply  with 
and  obey  the  sound  of  the  gavel  until  they  return 
to  the  Lodge  and  the  same  is  regularly  closed.  The 
gavel,    in    the    Master 's    hand,    should    always    be 


383 


obeyed  in  the  Lodge,  whether  in  the  East,  before  the 
altar,  or  any  other  station.  Vol.  XI,  p.  466. 

Sec.  328.  If  a  member  of  another  Lodge,  in  good 
standing,  can  assure  the  Master  that  the  person 
elected  to  receive  the  degrees  in  his  Lodge  is  un- 
worthy or  in  any  way  disqualified,  it  is  the  Master's 
imperative  duty  to  refrain  from  initiating  the  per- 
son until  satisfied,  by  proper  investigation  of  his 
status.     (See  Sec.  711.)  Vol.  XI,  p.  466. 

Sec.  329.  There  is  no  law  pertaining  to  Masonic 
jurisprudence  that  would  prevent  or  interfere  with 
a  person 's  being  elected  Master  of  a  Lodge  who  had 
been  maimed.  A  brother's  being  maimed  after  re- 
ceiving the  third  degree  does  not  militate  against 
his  being  honored  by  the  Fraternity,  but  resolves 
into  a  mere  question  of  propriety  among  the  breth- 
ren interested.  Vol.  XI,  p.  467. 

Sec.  330.  Annual  elections  of  subordinate  Lodges 
held  on  the  anniversary  of  St.  John  the  Baptist  are 
not  constitutional.  Vol.  XI,  p.  467. 

Sec.  331.  An  initiate  being  found  unable  to  read 
and  write,  must  learn  to  do  so  before  being  ad- 
vanced.    (See  Eegulation  No.  11.)     Vol.  XI,  p.  467. 

Sec.  332.  No  person  can  be  invited  by  the  Master 
or  Wardens  to  confer  the  degrees  who  does  not  con- 
form to  our  uniform  work.  Vol.  XI,  p.  467. 

Sec.  333.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  Lodge  of  Masons 
and  of  its  officers  and  members  to  see  that  no  one  of 
its  members  is  wrongfully  suspended  for  any  cause. 
The  Lodge  is  a  family  and,  theoretically  at  least, 
every  member  is  supposed  to  know  and  to  feel  a 
personal  interest  in  the  welfare  of  every  other.  The 
law  requires  that  every  member  pay  to  his  Lodge 
certain  dues,  and  directs  that,  in  case  of  his  neglect 


384 


so  to  do  for  six  months,  he  shall  be  notified  by  the 
Secretary  of  the  fact  of  his  delinquency  and  that  he 
will  be  suspended  unless  he  pay  or  show  cause  why 
he  does  not;  and  commands  that  in  case,  after 
notice,  he  neglect  to  pay  or  show  cause  why  he  does 
not,  the  Master  shall  declare  his  suspension  as  the 
judgment  of  the  law.  He  must  be  notified  of  his 
delinquency,  and,  if  he  is  unable  to  pay,  some  one 
of  the  members  of  his  Lodge  ought  to  know  the  fact 
and  report  it  to  the  Lodge,  when  his  dues  should  be 
remitted  or  further  time  be  granted  for  payment; 
and  if  there  is  no  one  Who  does  know,  some  one 
ought  to  inquire  and  inform  himself  and  his  Lodge, 
and  no  Master  ought  to  declare  any  member  of  his 
Lodge  suspended  for  non-payment  of  his  dues  unless 
he  is  satisfied  that  proper  notice  has  been  given  and 
that  the  delinquent  has  the  ability  but  willfully 
neglects  to  perform  his  duty  and  deserves  suspen- 
sion. Vol.  XI,  p.  560. 

Sec.  334.  If  one  willfully  neglects  the  perform- 
ance of  his  duties  he  ought  to  be  punished  for  it; 
and,  if  suspension  is  the  proper  punishment,  he 
ought  to  be  suspended;  and  if  death  overtake  him 
while  suspended  for  that  cause,  as  for  any  other, 
the  suspension  ought  to  continue.  He  might  in  his 
lifetime  have  removed  the  cause  but  did  not  care  to 
do  it,  and  it  is  a  sickly  sentimentality  that  induces 
us,  simply  because  he  is  dead,  to  mourn  over  him 
and  to  desire  to  show  our  mourning  to  the  world. 
While  living  we  were  willing  to  let  him  remain  sus- 
pended— would  not  pay  his  dues  to  relieve  him,  and 
the  reason  is  not  apparent  why  we  should  exhibit 
any  extraordinary  amount  of  consideration  because 
he  is  dead.  (See  Sec.  608;  also  Const.,  Sec.  5,  Art. 
n,  Part  V.)  Vol.  XI,  p.  560. 


DECISIONS  385 

Sec  335.  Our  business  is  first  of  all  with  the  liv- 
ing members — to  look  after  them  in  sickness,  to 
stand  by  them  in  misfortune,  to  be  friends  to  them 
in  adversity  as  well  as  in  prosperity;  and  we  do  to 
them  and  ourselves  a  grievous  wrong  if  we  suffer 
them  to  be  disgraced  by  suspension  when  we  know, 
or  ought  to  know  that  they  do  not  deserve  it. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  560. 

Sec.  336.  We  take  it  to  be  a  well  recognized  prin- 
ciple of  Masonic  law  that  no  man  can  be  deprived 
of  his  rights  and  privileges,  or  be  declared  to  have 
been  so  deprived,  without  having  at  least  an  oppor- 
tunity to  be  heard  in  his  defense.  If  he  is  contum- 
acious and  refuses  to  appear,  after  notice,  judgment 
will  pass  against  him  by  default.  He  has  had  his 
opportunity  to  be  heard.  The  proceedings  under 
Sec.  11,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  our  Constitution,  are 
in  the  nature  of  criminal  proceedings;  but  they  are 
legal  proceedings  and  constitute  a  trial.  The  charges 
are  that  the  party  has  willfully  neglected  his  duty 
to  his  Lodge,  in  failing  to  pay  into  the  treasury  his 
just  proportion  of  the  funds  necessary  for  its  main- 
tenance and  the  performance  of  its  legitimate  work. 
He  must  be  notified  of  the  fact  that  such  charge 
stands  against  him  and  must  be  answered;  and  the 
evidence  must  show  that  he  has  been  notified,  else 
the  Master  has  no  jurisdiction  to  declare  the  judg- 
ment of  the  law,  and  the  law  itself  declares  no  judg- 
ment— can  declare  no  judgment.      Vol.  XI,  p.  560. 

Sec.  337.  Our  law  has  never  made  any  provision 
for  notification  to  delinquents  for  non-payment  of 
dues,  other  than  that  provided  for  in  Sec.  11,  Art. 
Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution,  which  is  simply 
"that  he  shall  be  notified  by  the  Secretary  that, 
etc."     This,  in  our  judgment,  means  personal   ser- 


vice  of  the  notice.  By  an  amendment  of  the  defini- 
tion of  " notification,' '  adopted  in  1874,  the  notifica- 
tions "shall,  when  practicable,  be  personally  served 
upon  the  brother  to  be  notified  by  a  Tyler  or  some 
other  Mason  properly  deputed  for  the  purpose.  If 
this  cannot  be  conveniently  done,  it  shall  be  left  at 
the  residence  or  usual  place  of  business  of  such 
brother,  or,  if  such  residence  or  place  of  business  is 
distant  or  unknown,  it  may  be  placed  in  the  post- 
office,  addressed  to  him  at  his  last  known  place  of 
residence,  and  this  shall  be  deemed  due  and  suffi- 
cient service. '  \  Vol.  XI,  p.  561. 

Sec.  338.  The  notification  called  for  in  Sec.  11, 
Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution,  is  in  effect  a 
summons.  It  is  an  imperative  order  to  show  cause 
why  he  should  not  be  adjudged  guilty  of  a  Masonic 
offense  and  deprived  of  all  his  rights  as  a  Mason. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  561. 

Sec.  339.  It  is  not  within  the  legitimate  authority 
of  this  Grand  Lodge,  or  of  any  Masonic  power,  to 
deprive  a  Mason  of  his  rights  without  due  process 
of  law,  and  that  due  process  of  law  implies  of  neces- 
sity that  the  defendant  have  notice  of  his  offense, 
and  have  an  opportunity  to  be  heard  in  his  defense. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  561. 

Sec.  340.  Whenever  a  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  pro- 
nounced judgment  of  suspension  against  a  member 
of  his  Lodge  without  having  acquired  jurisdiction  to 
pronounce  judgment,  it  is  the  plain  duty  of  the 
Master  to  declare  that  the  act  was  void,  The  party 
declared  to  have  been  suspended  was  not  suspended, 
because  the  Master  had  no  authority  to  make  the 
declaration.  Vol.  XI,  p.  562. 


DECISIONS  387 

Sec.  341.  With  political  differences  Masonry  has 
nothing  to  do;  the  proper  remedy  lies  in  appeal  to 
the  legal  tribunals  and  not  to  a  Masonic  Lodge. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  567. 

Sec.  342.  The  fact  that  a  divorce  has  been  ob- 
tained is  by  no  means  conclusive  evidence  of  guilt 
on  the  part  of  the  accused,  in  a  charge  of  adultery. 
To  convict  a  brother  of  such  a  crime  the  evidence 
must  be  direct  and  positive.  Vol.  XI,  p.  567. 

Sec.  343.  The  inability  to  pay  a  just  debt,  how- 
ever annoying  it  may  be  to  the  creditor,  is  not  a 
Masonic  crime;  and,  where  no  moral  turpitude  is  in 
volved,  should  never  be  made  the  basis  of  charges 
of  unmasonic  conduct.  Vol.  XI,  p.  568. 

Sec.  344.  A  verbal  notice  does  not  constitute  due 
notification,  as  provided  in  Sec.  2,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI. 
and  in  Art.  II,  Part  VII,  of  the  Constitution.  It  is 
especially  important  that,  in  case  a  special  meeting 
of  a  Lodge  is  called  for  the  election  of  Trial-Commis- 
sioners, every  member  thereof  whose  residence  is 
known,  should  be  notified,  in  order  that  justice  may 
be  done  to  all  concerned.  •  Vol.  XI,  p.  568. 

Sec.  345.  Each  Inspector  shall  be  a  resident  of 
the  district  for  which  he  may  be  appointed,  and  it 
shall  be  his  duty  to  officially  visit  every  Lodge  in 
his  jurisdiction  at  least  once  in  every  year. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  575. 

Sec.  346.  No  person  who  acted  as  a  Commissioner 
on  the  first,  is  competent  to  sit  as  a  Commissioner 
on  the  second  trial.  Vol.  XI,  p.  581. 

Sec.  347.  The  first  qualification  of  a  Commis 
sioner  should  be  that  he  can  and  will  determine  the 
case  according  to  the  evidence  that  shall  be  pro- 
duced on  the  trial  and  to  the  law  applicable  thereto, 


388 


DECISIONS 


as  declared  by  the  Master.    That  he  could  not  do  if 
he  had  prejudged  the  case.  Vol.  XI,  p.  581. 

Sec.  348.  A  plan  of  life-membership  might  be  ac- 
complished by  the  adoption  of  resolutions  to  that 
effect  duly  recorded.     (See  Sees.  933  and  942.) 

Vol.  XI,  p.  583. 

Sec.  349.  A  brother  against  whom  charges  are 
preferred  has  the  right  to  object  to  any  of  the  Com- 
missioners elected  to  try  him,  and  it  would  be  the 
duty  of  the  Master  to  hear  and  determine  the  objec- 
tion, and,  if  he  found  it  well  taken,  to  exclude  the 
party  against  whom  it  was  made  from  participation 
in  the  trial;  and  further,  if  such  objection  was 
found  to  be  well  taken  against  a  majority  of  the 
Commissioners,  their  election  should  be  vacated,  and 
a  new  one  for  the  rejected  Commissioners  be  ordered. 

Vol.  XI,  pp.  586,  572. 

Sec.  350.  It  is  the  absolute  right  of  the  accused 
to  object,  and  to  show  cause  for  his  objection,  at 
any  time  before  the  trial  commences,  unless  the 
time  for  making  objections  is  limited  by  positive 
enactment.  Vol.  XI,  p.  587. 

Sec.  351.  If  the  case  be  one  in  which  the  Master 
is  personally  interested  to  such  extent  that  he  could 
be  disqualified  as  a  Commissioner,  he  is  disqualified 
to  preside  at  the  trial,  and  another  should  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  Grand  Master  to  preside  thereat  in 
his  stead.  Vol.  XI,  p.  587. 

Sec.  352.  In  a  case  in  which  the  Master  is  the 
accuser  or  the  injured  party  in  the  matter  of  the 
accusation,  he  is  disqualified  to  preside  at  the  trial, 
and  his  Lodge  is  disqualified  to  try  the  case;  and  in 
such  event  the  Grand  Master  should  direct  that  the 
case  be  transferred  to  some  other  Lodge  for  trial. 
(See  Sees.  744  and  909.)  Vol.  XI,  p.  587. 


DECISIONS  389 

Sec.  353.  One  who  has  prejudged  the  case;  who 
has  any  personal  ill-will  or  enmity  towards  the  ac- 
cused; who  is  strongly  biased,  either  for  or  against 
him;  or  has  a  mind  biased  or  prejudiced  by  reason 
of  unfriendly  personal  relations — is  disqualified  to 
act  as  a  Commissioner.  Vol.  XT,  p.  587. 

Sec.  354.  Our  law  necessarily  implies  that  the 
qualifications  of  each  one  nominated  for  election  as 
Commissioner  may  be  canvassed  and  inquired  into 
at  the  time,  and  that  it  would  be  entirely  proper  for 
the  Master  to  require  the  attendance  of  the  accused 
at  such  meeting,  to  interpose  objections  to  any  one 
proposed  for  election,  if  he  desired  to  do  so;  and 
that  the  Master  might  very  properly  determine  the 
sufficiency  of  the  objections  and  qualifications  of 
the  party  named  for  election  before  the  election 
proceeds.  Vol.  XI,  p.  587. 

Sec.  355.  The  Constitution  will  not  permit  a 
Lodge  to  try  its  Master;  and,  as  a  Lodge  should  bo 
in  natural  sympathy  with  its  Master  and  directly 
interested  in  the  preservation  of  his  good  name  and 
fame,  it  should  not  be  permitted  to  decide  a  matter 
at  issue  between  him  and  a  Mason  not  a  member, 
as  a  verdict  of  acquittal  would  justify  the  defend- 
ant and  imply  the  truth  of  the  alleged  slander. 

Vol.  XI,  p.  589. 

Sec.  356.  The  fact  that  the  testimony  of  the  wit- 
nesses was  not  written  out  in  full  at  the  trial,  was 
held  to  be  good  cause  for  reversal.    Vol.  XI,  p.  590. 

Sec.  357.  Surreptitiously  obtaining  and  falsifying 
the  record,  is  a  Masonic  offense.      Vol.  XI,  p.  591. 

Sec.  358.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  is  the  proper 
person,  when  objections  are  made  to  the  admission 
of  a  visiting  brother,  to  decide  thereupon,  as  it  is 


390 


his  duty  to  see  that  no  discord  or  confusion  be  per- 
mitted to  enter  a  Lodge,  if  he  can  prevent  it. 

Vol.  XII,  p.  17. 
Sec.  359.  When  a  special  meeting  relating  to  the 
business  of  a  Lodge  is  under  discussion,  it  is  quite 
proper  that  the  Master  should  inform  all  brethren 
present,  not  members,  that  they  could  have  permis- 
sion to  retire,  the  members  desiring  to  commune 
alone  upon  the  matters  relating  to  their  own  Ma- 
sonic family.  Vol.  XII,  p.  18. 

Sec.  360.  When  a  brother  asks  for  a  dimit,  he 
wants  a  recommendatory  certificate  of  withdrawal, 
which  alone  would  enable  him  to  affiliate  with  an- 
other Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction,  and  if  the  Lodge 
refused  to  give  him  this  dimit,  the  brother  would 
remain  a  member.  (See  Sees.  372  and  871;  also 
Eegulation  No.  75.)  Vol.  XII,  pp.  18, 130. 

Sec.  361.  When  a  brother  affiliates  with  a  Lodge, 
his  dues  commenced  from  the  date  of  his  election,  as 
from  that  time  he  is  entitled  to  all  the  benefits  and 
privileges  of  the  Lodge,  and  his  own  negligence,  or 
the  carelessness  of  the  Secretary,  should  not  relieve 
him  from  sharing  his  portion  of  the  burdens. 

Vol.  XII,  p.  18. 

Sec.  362.  In  case  of  the  death  of  an  officer  of  the 
Lodge,  the  Master  has  the  right  to  appoint  pro  tem- 
pore, to  fill  the  vacancy  during  the  unexpired  term; 
and  in  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  Treasurer, 
the  Master  is  the  proper  custodian  of  the  Lodge 
funds  until  the  vacancy  is  filled.     Vol.  XII,  p.  18. 

Sec.  363.  There  is  no  impropriety  in  a  Lodge  sub- 
scribing for  stock  in  a  Masonic  Hall  Association, 
provided  that  the  Lodge  had  surplus  funds,  and  a 


391 


majority  of  the  members  thought  the  investment  a 
judicious  one.  Vol.  XII,  p.  19. 

Sec.  364.  It  is  the  duty  of  a  Lodge  to  see  that  no 
warrant  is  drawn  upon  the  treasury  if  there  are  no 
funds  to  meet  its  payment,  unless  in  extreme  case 
or  Masonic  necessity  or  charity.       Vol.  XII,  p.  19. 

Sec.  365.  The  Grand  Master  can  issue  Inspector's 
commissions  to  such  brethren  only  as  have  a  cer- 
tificate from  the  Grand  Lecturer  as  to  qualification 
and  proficiency  in  the  work  and  lectures  adopted  by 
this  Grand  Lodge.  Vol.  XII,  p.  102. 

Sec.  366.  It  is  an  inflexible  rule  of  this  Grand 
Lodge  not  to  interfere  or  meddle  with  political  or 
religious  matters,  at  home  or  abroad.  Its  members 
may  represent  all  shades  of  political  and  religious 
opinions,  but  when  they  are  assembled  in  sub- 
ordinate or  Grand  Lodge,  they  cannot  so  much  as 
discuss  such  opinions.  Masonry  has  its  own  proper 
objects  and  purposes,  and  those  must  be  considered 
by  us  to  the  absolute  exclusion  of  all  others,  and 
particularly  of  such  as  would  certainly  arouse  con- 
tention and  confusion.  Of  religion  we  only  desire 
to  know  that  each  one  asking  admission  is  a  sincere 
believer  in  God  and  a  future  existence.  Of  politics, 
we  only  ask  if  the  applicant  is  a  good  citizen.  These 
questions  are  determined  before  his  admission.  Once 
admitted,  all  discussion  and  consideration  of  re- 
ligious and  political  affairs  is  strictly  prohibited. 

Vol.  XII,  p.  111. 

Sec.  367.  In  the  United  States  it  is  universally 
recognized  as  the  law  of  Masonry,  that  whenever 
there  are  three  chartered  Lodges  in  any  State  or 
Territory  in  which  no  Grand  Lodge  has  been  estab- 
lished, those  Lodges  have  the  absolute  right  to  meet 


392 


in  convention  and  organize  a  Grand  Lodge  for  such 
State  or  Territory;  that  when  a  Grand  Lodge  is 
once  regularly  established  in  any  State  or  Territory, 
it  has  exclusive  jurisdiction  over  all  Masonic 
Lodges  and  Masons  within  such  State  or  Territory; 
and  that  no  other  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Body  can 
establish  a  new  Lodge  within  the  territorial  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  Grand  Lodge  so  organized,  or  can  main- 
tain jurisdiction  over  a  Lodge  therein  to  which  it 
may  have  granted  a  charter.  From  the  moment  of 
the  organization  of  the  new  Grand  Lodge  its  juris- 
diction becomes  absolute  over  the  entire  territory, 
and  all  Lodges  and  all  Masons  there  must  acknowl- 
edge it  and  yield  obedience  to  it,  and  their  alleg- 
iance elsewhere  ceases.  Vol.  XII,  p.  112. 

Sec.  368.  The  Grand  Lecturer,  in  qualifying  the 
Inspectors  of  the  jurisdiction  for  the  duties  of  their 
position,  instructing  the  many  Masters  elect  of 
Lodges  who  may  apply  to  him  for  instruction,  and 
visiting  such  Lodges  as  in  his  judgment  require 
such  visits,  fully  performs  all  the  duties  which 
ought  to  devolve  upon  him  as  such  officer. 

Vol.  XII,  p.  116. 

Sec.  369.  In  answer  to  the  question,  "can  the 
Master  of  a.  Lodge  refuse  to  entertain  charges  of 
unmasonic  conduct  against  a  brother,  when  pre- 
sented to  him  by  a  Master  Mason  in  good  stand- 
ing," the  Committee  on  Jurisprudence  reported  as 
follows,  and  the  report  was  concurred  in  by  the 
Grand  Lodge: — 

The  office  of  Master  of  a  Lodge,  with  its  many 
dignities  and  peculiar  prerogatives,  is  also  an  ex- 
ecutive office.  Where  the  landmarks  and  ancient 
customs  point  he  must  go,  and  when  the  Constitu- 
tion of  the  jurisdiction  in  which  he  resides  directs, 


393 


he  must  obey.  Our  Constitution,  upon  the  point  at 
issue,  is  plain  enough.  Upon  the  presentation  of 
charges  against  a  brother  by  a  member  of  the 
Lodge  in  good  standing,  to  the  Master  of  a  Lodge 
having  jurisdiction,  it  is  his  duty  to  initiate  and 
oversee  the  proceedings  until  the  conclusion  is 
reached.  If  the  Master  of  a  Lodge  should  hesitate 
or  refuse  to  inaugurate  and  cause  the  trail  to  be 
prosecuted,  we  could  only  presume  that  he  was 
actuated  in  assuming  such  responsibility  by  a  pecu- 
liar and  personal  knowledge  of  circumstances  which 
satisfied  him  that  justice  and  worthier  results  would 
be  secured  by  refusing  to  commence  proceedings; 
as  for  instance,  where  he  knew  that  the  brother 
submitting  the  charges  was  unfortunately  not  in  his 
right  mind,  or  that  the  charges  were  frivolous,  or 
so  evidently  dictated  by  passion  that  their  unreason 
was  palpable.  The  Master  who  assumes  such  a  re- 
sponsibility must  exercise  a  sound  and  wise  judg- 
ment, for  he  must  not  forget  that  the  Grand  Master 
and  Grand  Lodge  may  review  his  acts.  (See  Const., 
Sec.  2,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI.)  Vol.  XII,  p.  128. 

Sec.  370.  Either  a  recommendatory  certificate  or 
a  certificate  of  withdrawal  without  recommendation, 
is  a  proper  dimit  in  the  sense  in  which  that  expression 
is  used  in  Sec.  13,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitu- 
tion, and  is  sufficient  to  enable  a  brother  to  affiliate 
with  another  Lodge,  if  the  brethren  who  constitute 
it  are  willing  to  elect  him.  Vol.  XII,  p.  131. 

Sec.  371.  A  Lodge  cannot,  with  propriety,  re- 
ceive the  petition  of  one  who  had  served  a  term  in 
the  State  'a  prison.  Vol.  XII,  p.  131. 

Sec.  372.  A  brother  makes  application  for  a  dimit, 
his  dues  being  paid,  but  the  Lodge  granted  him  a 
f<  certificate    of    withdrawal    without    recommenda- 


394 


tion. "  The  brother  refused  to  accept  the  certifi- 
cate, saying  that  it  was  not  what  he  wanted.  The 
Lodge  declined  to  grant  him  a  recommendatory  cer- 
tificate, and  he  was  placed  on  the  list  of  members 
withdrawn  from  the  Lodge.  The  Grand  Master's 
decision,  that  the  brother  who  had  been  refused  a 
certificate  was  still  a  member  of  the  Lodge,  was 
sustained  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  (This  section  has 
been  overruled;    see  Sec.  875  and  Eegulation  75.) 

Vol.  XII,  p.  131. 

Sec.  373.  Habitual  intemperance  is  a  Masonic 
offense  for  which  suspension  or  expulsion  are  not 
too  severe  a  penalty.  Vol.  XII,  p.  132. 

Sec.  374.  If  Masons  will  engage  in  fighting  one 
another  they  need  expect  no  mercy  at  the  hands  of 
the  Grand  Lodge.  Vol.  XII,  p.  133. 

Sec.  375.  It  has  long  since  been  established  by 
this  Grand  Lodge  that  where  the  Commissioners 
cannot  find  the  accused  guilty  of  all  the  facts  set 
out  in  the  specifications,  they  must  find  him  guilty 
of  so  much  thereof  as  is  proven. 

Vol.  XII,  p.  133. 

Sec.  376.  Striking  a  brother  is  a  Masonic  of- 
fense. Vol.  XII,  p.  133. 

Sec.  377.  Every  violation  of  the  laws  of  the  land 
is  a  Masonic  offense.  Vol.  XII,  p.  133. 

Sec.  378.  In  a  case  where  a  brother  dimited  and 
moved  to  another  locality,  and  charges  were  pre- 
ferred against  him,  it  was  decided  that  the  charges 
must  be  preferred  in  the  Lodge  in  whose  geographi- 
cal jurisdiction  he  resides.  Vol.  XII,  p.  350. 

Sec.  379.  The  accuser  has  the  right  to  be  present 
at  the  trial  and  to  a  hearing  up  to  its  conclusion. 

Vol.  XII,  p.  498. 


DECISIONS  395 

Sec.  380.  The  accused  has  no  absolute  right  to  be 
informed  as  to  whom  a  charge  has  been  preferred 
against,  when  the  special  meeting  of  the  Lodge  was 
called  for  the  purpose  of  electing  Commissioners  to 
try  a  brother  for  unmasonic  conduct. 

Vol.  XII,  p.  498. 

Sec.  381.  A  brother  who  had  been  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues,  sent  the  amount  necessary  to 
restore  him,  but  the  money  did  not  reach  the  Secre- 
tary until  after  the  brother's  death.  The  Com- 
mittee on  Jurisprudence  reported  that,  in  their 
opinion,  the  only  question  to  consider,  and  the  one 
which  should  govern  the  case  under  the  Constitu- 
tion, is  whether  a  brother  under  suspension,  who, 
three  hours  before  his  death,  remits  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Lodge  the  amount  of  money  necessary 
to  entitle  him  to  restoration,  complies  sufficiently 
with  the  true  spirit  of  the  enactments  and  customs? 
This  is  the  question  presented  by  the  record;  and, 
while  the  committee  have  in  view  the  decision  by 
the  Grand  Lodge,  that  a  Mason  dying  under  suspen- 
sion cannot  be  restored  by  any  action  subsequent  to 
his  death,  they  believe  that  the  essential  and  neces- 
sary requirement  by  the  constitution  had  in  this 
case  been  sufficiently  complied  with  previous  to  the 
death;  and  they  reported  in  favor  of  the  restora- 
tion.   The  Grand  Lodge  concurred. 

Vol.  XII,  p.  510. 

Sec.  382.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  to  pay 
over  the  funds  which  come  into  his  hands  as  fast  as 
they  are  received.  Vol.  XII,  p.  511. 

Sec.  383.  When  a  Master  has  been  carefully  ex- 
amined by  the  Inspector  and  found  to  be  proficient 
in  the  work,  and  when,  in  the  event  of  said  Mas- 
ter's re-election,  the  Inspector  still  remains  satisfied 


396 


as   to   his   proficiency,   it  is  unnecessary   to   require 
him  to  submit  to  a  second  examination. 

Vol.  XII,  p.  513. 

Sec.  384.  The  accused  has  a  right,  at  any  time 
before  the  commencement  of  the  trial,  to  object  to 
any  Commissioner  on  the  ground  that  he  is  so 
biased,  or  interested,  or  prejudiced,  that  it  would 
be  unfair  for  him  to  act.  The  same  objection  may 
be  made  to  the  Master,  and  the  same  reasons  that 
would  disqualify  a  brother  from  acting  as  a  Com- 
missioner disqualifies  the  Master  from  presiding  at 
the  trial.  The  Commission,  and  all  trials  in  Ma- 
sonry, must  be  so  constituted  and  conducted  as  to 
be  reasonably  free  from  any  suspicion  of  unfairness, 
bias,  prejudice,  or  partiality.  Vol.  XII,  p.  522. 

Sec.  385.  Eeasonable  continuance  should  always 
be  granted,  to  afford  the  accused  an  opportunity  to 
exercise  his  right  of  defense.  The  Commission  may 
meet  and  continue  their  sessions  during  such  reason- 
able hours  as  they,  in  their  discretion,  may  deem 
convenient;  but  to  compel  the  accused,  against  his 
consent,  to  undergo  a  trial  after  midnight,  is  an 
abuse  of  its  discretion.  Vol.  XII,  p.  522. 

Sec.  386.  A  Lodge  of  Masons,  as  a  Lodge,  will 
only  appear  in  a  funeral  procession  when  it  shall 
conduct  the  ceremonies;  it  will  not  appear,  even  as 
an  escort,  when  the  funeral  services  are  performed 
by  other  societies  or  appendant  Orders.  The  Lodge 
conducting  the  ceremonies  is  entitled  to  the  post  of 
honor  in  the  procession,  at  the  left  of  the  line,  and 
nearest  the  body  of  the  deceased;  other  Lodges  in 
the  same  jurisdiction  take  position  in  the  line,  in 
accordance  with  their  Grand  Lodge  number;  the 
Lodge  may  invite  or  permit  other  bodies  to  join  in 
the  procession   as  escort  or  otherwise,  and  will   as- 


397 


sign  their  position,  which  must  invariably  bo  in 
advance  of  the  Lodge  performing  the  service;  after 
the  Lodge  has  completed  its  service  it  cannot  prevent 
services  that  may  be  performed  by  other  societies 
or  appendant  Orders,  but  it  retires  and  does  not 
participate  therein.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  21. 

Sec.  386a.  Sec.  6,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  applies  to 
Entered  Apprentices  and  Fellowcrafts  who  have 
received  their  degrees  in  California.  Coming  from 
another  Grand  Jurisdiction  with  no  request  but  only 
a  permission  from  the  Lodge  conferring  the  first, 
or  the  first  and  second,  degrees,  the  petitioner  is 
subject  to  the  same  careful  scrutiny  that  our  laws 
provide  for  the  application  of  a  Master  Mason  for 
affiliation;  consequently  the  petition  of  the  brother 
should  be  referred,  reported  on,  and  balloted  on  as 
if  he  were  a  Master  Mason  applying  for  affiliation, 
or  if  he  were  a  candidate  for  the  degrees. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  22. 

Sec.  386b.  Our  law  asserts  no  specific  time  when 
an  E.  A.  may  be  deprived  of  the  privilege  of  seek- 
ing advancement.  He  can  apply  for  the  other  de- 
grees, and  it  will  rest  with  his  Lodge  to  determine 
if  his  conduct  as  an  E.  A.  entitles  him  to  advance. 
The  Lodge  holds  jurisdiction  over  him  until  it 
chooses  to  relinquish  it.      (See  Sec.  414.) 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  22. 

Sec.  387.  The  only  testimony  introduced  at  the 
trial  in  support  of  the  second  specification  is  wholly 
hearsay,  and  is  therefore  insufficient  to  sustain  the 
finding.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  156. 

Sec.  388.  The  proof  in  support  of  the  first  specifi- 
cation is  ample,  and  consists  of  a  transcript  of  the 
record  of  a  trial  had  in  the  County  Court  of  the 
County  of  Del  Norte,  wherein  the  accused  was  tried 


:*98 


for  the  offense  contained  in  the  first  specification. 
He  was  indicted  for  assault  with  intent  to  commit 
rape,  but  was  finally  convicted  of  a  simple  assault. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  156. 

Sec.  389.  Several  brethren  stated  that  they  had 
heard  from  other  sources  that  the  accused  hack 
behaved  badly  in  various  ways,  but  of  their  own 
knowledge  they  testified  to  nothing  against  him. 
A  brother  "can  only  be  suspended  or  expelled  upon 
sufficient  charges  sustained  by  sufficient  evidence," 
and  mere  hearsay  is  not  sufficient  evidence  upon 
which  to  found  a  conviction,  either  in  civil  or 
Masonic  law.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  163. 

Sec.  390.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  not  imposed  upon 
Inspectors  the  duty  of  canvassing  or  determining 
the  moral  fitness  of  the  Master  elect  for  the  respon- 
sible duties  of  that  office.  If  he  has  been  elected 
and  is  proficient  in  the  work  and  lectures,  he  is  en- 
titled to  the  certificate  of  the  Inspector,  and  to  be 
installed.  If,  for  any  reason,  he  is  unworthy  to 
occupy  the  position,  our  Constitution  provides  the 
remedy;  and  it  is  the  duty  of  the  members  of  his 
Lodge  to  avail  themselves  of  it.    Vol.  XIII,  p.  180. 

Sec.  391.  It  behooves  the  Lodge  to  see  that  the 
brother  whom  it  elects  as  a  Master  is  a  man  of  good 
repute  and  of  proper  habits;  a  Lodge  which  elects 
a  Master  known  to  be  intemperate  in  his  habits, 
ought  to  be  suspended.      %  Vol.  XIII,  p.  180. 

Sec.  392.  The  Senior  Warden  cannot  preside  at 
the  trial  when  the  Master  desires  to  become  the 
prosecutor,  or  when  the  Master  is  a  material  wit- 
ness. It  is  the  duty  of  the  Master  to  preside  at  all 
trials,  but  if  he  is  the  prosecutor  or  a  material  wit- 
ness in  the  case,  he  ought  not  to  preside  in  such  case. 
He   should  report   the   facts  to   the   Grand   Master, 


DECISIONS  399 

who  alone  can  depute  another  to  preside,  and  who 
would,  in  a  proper  case,  appoint  some  disinterested 
Master  to  conduct  the  trial.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  180. 

Sec.  393.  The  Master  against  whom  charges  of 
continued  dissipation  could  be  justdy  made,  ought 
to  be  tried  and  expelled.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  180. 

Sec.  394.  Amendments  to  charges  ought  to  be  al- 
lowed whenever  they  are  necessary  for,  or  will  tend 
towards,  a  proper  administration  of  justice.  When 
the  Commissioners  have  assembled,  they,  with  the 
Master,  constitute  a  court,  and,  if  need  be,  may 
adjourn  the  trial  until  the  pleadings  are  in  such 
shape  as  to  present  fairly  the  issues  to  be  tried. 
That  the  accused  may  not  have  occasion  to  complain 
of  surprise,  if  he  has  appeared,  the  trial  should 
never  be  allowed  to  proceed  until  he  has  had  at 
least  ten  days'  notice  of  the  amendments,  by  ser 
vice  of  a  copy.  If  more  time  is  necessary  to  enable 
him  to  prepare  for  his  defense,  it  should  be  given  in 
a  Masonic  court  as  it  would  be  in  a  civil  court. 

Vol.  Xin,  p.  181. 

Sec.  395.  There  is  no  statute  of  limitations  in 
respect  to  Masonic  dues  and  duties.  The  party 
suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  may  restore  him- 
self at  any  time  by  payment,  but  his  Lodge  must 
remit  or  he  must  pay  as  a  condition  for  restoration. 
The  presumption  is  that  his  Lodge  will  remit  if  he 
ought  not  to  pay,  and  the  Constitution  has  very 
wisely  left  the  determination  of  the  matter  to  the 
discretion  of  the  Lodge.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  181. 

Sec.  396.  The  very  moment  a  member  makes  pay- 
ment of  his  dues  and  notifies  his  Lodge  that  he 
withdraws,  he  ceases  to  be  a  member.  Whether  his 
Lodge  will  recommend  him  by  certificate  to  the 
Fraternity  as  a  worthy  brother,  is  a  matter  for  the 


400 


Lodge  to  determine;  and  when  membership  has  been 
severed,  it  can  be  restored  only  by  petition  and 
election  in  the  way  provided  for  affiliation. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  181. 
Sec.  397.     A  Lodge  has  jurisdiction  to  hear  and 
determine  charges  against  its  own  members  wher- 
ever they  may  reside,  and  against  all  Masons  resid- 
ing within  its  territorial  limits.     Vol.  XIII,  p.  181. 

Sec.  398.  If  a  Lodge  consents  that  another  Lodge 
mey  receive  a  petition  from  an  applicant  residing 
within  its  territorial  jurisdiction,  the  Lodge  grant- 
ing the  permission  has  the  right  to  the  fees,  and 
might,  at  its  pleasure,  relinquish  or  insist  upon  them. 
The  Lodge  having  the  exclusive  right  to  receive  the 
petition  and  the  fees,  may  surrender  its  right  as  to 
one  or  both,  or  may  refuse  as  to  either  or  both. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  181. 

Sec.  399.  The  Grand  Master  decided  that  breth- 
ren holding  dimits  more  than  one  year  old  need  not 
make  application  to  some  Lodge  and  pay  six 
months '  dues  before  they  can  be  allowed  to  sign  a 
petition  for  a  dispensation  to  form  a  new  Lodge, 
on  the  grounds  that  the  signing  the  petition  should 
be  regarded  as  an  application  for  membership,  and 
that,. with  respect  to  the  formation  of  a  new  Lodge, 
every  Mason  presenting  a  dimit  from  the  Lodge  of 
which  he  was  last  a  member,  and  who  has  not  been 
suspended  or  expelled,  must  be  deemed  in  good 
standing.  In  their  report,  the  Committee  on  Juris- 
prudence say:  "The  right  to  become  a  petitioner 
for  and  a  member  of  a  new  Lodge  is  one  of  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  the  Order,  and  is  within 
the  inhibition  of  the  provision  contained  in  Sec.  1, 
Art.  II,  Part  V,  of  the  Constitution.  It  may  be  that 
this  inhibition  operates  to  the  disadvantage  of  many 


DECISIONS  401 

worthy  Masons  who,  for  reasons  satisfactory  to 
themselves,  have  never  made  application  for  mem- 
bership or  paid  any  amount  as  an  equivalent  for 
dues,  but  it  is  a  plain  declaration  of  the  funda- 
mental law  of  this  jurisdiction.  The  section  referred 
to  declares  it  to  be  'the  duty  of  every  Master 
Mason  to  be  a  member  of  some  Lodge,'  and  pre- 
scribes the  penalty  for  disregard  of  that  duty;  and 
Sec.  2,  Art.  I,  Part  III,  declares  that  no  dispensa- 
tion shall  be  issued  unless  the  petition  is  accom- 
panied by  the  certificate  of  the  nearest  or  most  con- 
venient Lodge  'that  the  petitioners  are  all  Master 
Masons  in  good  standing.'  u  The  report  was  con- 
curred in  by  the  Grand  Lodge.      Vol.  XIII,  p.  182. 

Sec.  400.  A  fair  construction  of  the  regulation 
requires  not  only  that  the  applicant  shall  not  bo 
deformed  or  dismembered,  and  shall  be  hale  and 
sound  in  his  physical  conformation,  having  his  right 
limbs  as  a  man  ought  to  have,  but  that  he  must  also 
be  able  to  conform  literally  to  what  the  several 
degrees  respectively  required  of  him.  Such  con- 
struction gives  meaning  to  every  part  of  the  regula- 
tion, as  the  rules  of  construction  universally  require. 
The  committee  are  aware  that  very  many  of  the  best 
informed  brethren  think  that  the  last  clause  was  the 
controlling  one,  and  that  the  only  inquiry  to  be 
made  should  be  as  to  the  ability  to  conform  literally 
to  the  requirements  of  the  degrees;  and  that  if  the 
candidate  possessed  that  ability,  he  might  be  do- 
formed  or  dismembered,  and  need  not  be  hale  and 
sound  in  his  physical  conformation.  Your  commit- 
tee cannot  so  interpret  the  regulation,  and  are  of 
the  opinion  that  the  applicant  is  ineligible  if  he  be  de- 
formed or  dismembered,  or  be,  for  any  other  reason, 
unable  to  conform  literally  to  the  requirements  of 


402  DECISIONS 

the  three  degrees.  The  Grand  Lodge  concurred  in 
this  report,  and  thereby  overruled  the  decision  of 
the  Grand  Master  to  the  effect  that  an  applicant 
who  was  humpbacked  could  be  received.  (See  Begu- 
lation  No.  11  and  Sec. 916.)  Vol.  XIII,  p.  182. 

Sec.  401.  All  reports  of  committees  upon  petitions 
must  be  in  writing,  and  a  ballot  was  properly  had 
when  two  members  of  a  committee  made  a  favorable 
report  in  writing,  although  a  member  of  the  Lodge, 
at  the  request  of  the  third  member  of  the  com- 
mittee, was  absent,  presented  an  unfavorable 
verbal  report.  It  was  the  duty  of  the  absent  mem- 
ber to  make  his  own  report,  and  to  make  it  in  writ- 
ing, and  he  could  not  delegate  the  performance  of 
that  duty  to  another.  The  Constitution,  Sec.  3,  Art. 
Ill,  Part  III,  provides  that  "if  the  report  of  the 
committee,  or  any  member  thereof,  be  unfavorable, 
no  ballot  shall  be  had;  but  the  Master  shall,  upon 
the  reception  of  such  report,  declare  the  candidate 
rejected. "  In  the  case  presented  no  such  report 
was  received,  and  the  only  proper  order  was  to 
proceed  with  the  ballot. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  182. 

Sec.  402.  It  would  be  extremely  dangerous  to 
allow  a  witness,  whose  evidence  is  important  to  the 
prosecution  or  the  defense,  to  act  as  a  Trial-Commis- 
sioner. Vol.  XIII,  p.  183. 

Sec.  403.  If  it  were  known  at  the  time  of  the 
election  of  Commissioners  that  any  individual  would 
be,  or  ought,  from  his  knowledge  of  the  facts  of  the 
case,  to  be  a  witness,  the  Master  should  not  allow 
him  to  be  elected,  or,  if  elected,  should  declare  him 
ineligible  to  the  position;  and  if,  when  the  Com- 
mission has  assembled  to  hear  the  case,  or,  during 
the  progress  of  the  trial,  either  party  should  call  one 


403 


of  the  Commissioners  as  a  witness  and  he  testify 
to  the  merits  of  the  case,  he  should  cease  to  act  as 
a  member  of  the  Board;  and  it  should  be  good  cause 
for  reversing  the  judgment  or  determination  of  the 
Board  that  one  of  the  parties  participating  in  its 
final  action  had  been  a  witness  and  testified  to  the 
material  facts  of  the  case.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  183. 

Sec.  404.  The  Lodge  conducting  the  ceremonies 
will  occupy  the  post  of  honor,  and  will  assign  such 
positions  to  other  societies  that  may  join  in  the  pro- 
cession or  ceremonies  as  the  circumstances  of  the 
case  may  seem  to  render  proper.  The  members  of  a 
Lodge  may  join  in  the  procession,  as  citizens,  when 
the  ceremonies  are  conducted  by  other  organiza- 
tions, but  the  Lodge  can  only  appear  on  such  oc- 
casions when  the  ceremonies  are  under  its  direction. 
(See  Eegulation  No.  19.)       Vol.  XIII,  pp.  184, 197. 

Sec.  405.  When  a  Mason  from  another  jurisdic- 
tion comes  to  this  State  with  the  purpose  of  making 
it  his  permanent  residence,  it  is  fitting  that  he 
should,  and  in  most  cases  he  will,  withdraw  from 
membership  there  and  become  a  member  of  some 
Lodge  here;  but  if  he  chooses,  for  any  reason,  to 
retain  his  membership  in  the  other  jurisdiction,  he 
has  the  undoubted  right  to  do  so.  Whether  he  pays 
his  dues  or  not,  concerns  the  Lodge  of  which  he  is 
member,  and  does  not  concern  us.  If  he  maintains 
his  good  standing  as  a  Mason  elsewhere,  he  is  en- 
titled to  the  courtesies  extended  to  Masons  in  good 
standing  here.  The  only  inquiry  that  we  can  legiti- 
mately make  is,  whether  he  is,  or  ought  to  be,  sus- 
pended or  expelled;  and  we  have  a  formula,  which 
is  familiar  to  most  Masons,  by  which  Masters  can 
satisfy  themselves  in  that  regard,  whenever  in  their 


404 


judgment  it  is  necessary  or  proper  to  propose  the 
test.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  184. 

Sec.  406.  It  is  certainly  remarkable  that  a  Mason 
should  continue  in  full  membership  in  a  Lodge  for 
fifteen  years,  and  that  no  inquiry  should  be  made  as 
to  his  moral  fitness  until,  by  a  sudden  misfortune, 
he  is  rendered  helpless  and  compelled  to  call  for 
assistance.  The  common  instincts  of  humanity 
should  then  impel  us  to  forget  his  faults  and  de- 
linquencies and  to  tender  such  aid  as  his  necessities 
require.  If  we  can  afford  to  overlook  his  offenses 
against  the  moral  law,  when  he  is  hale  and  strong, 
and  amply  able  to  provide  for  himself,  it  certainly 
is  not  the  part  of  manhood  to  begin  to  speer  out  his 
faults  when  misfortune  has  overtaken  him  and  he  is 
helpless.  It  is  a  good  maxim,  which  has  come  down 
to  us  from  the  generous  and  brave  old  Saxons,. that 
every  man  is  to  be  deemed  innocent  until  he  be 
proven  guilty  and  until  his  guilt  has  been  estab- 
lished by  the  judgment  of  some  proper  tribunal. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  186. 

Sec.  407.  When  a  Brother  applied  to  his  Lodge 
for  relief  his  name  was  on  its  roll  as  a  member  in 
good  standing,  and  the  only  inquiry  then  to  be 
made  by  the  Lodge  or  by  its  Charity  Committee  was 
whether  he  was  in  actual  distress;  and  if  found  so 
to  be,  the  duty  to  relieve  him  was  plain  and  imper- 
ative, and  it  was  a  duty  for  the  neglect  of  which 
it  is  hard  to  conceive  a  plausible  excuse.  It  is  no 
excuse  for  the  Lodge  in  this  neglect  of  its  first  duty 
to  say  that  the  applicant  had  been  dissipated,  had 
squandered  his  estate,  and,  through  his  own  folly, 
reduced  himself  to  penury.  That  is  a  specious  pre- 
text, not  an  excuse.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  186. 


405 


Sec.  408.  The  time  when  one  of  its  members 
needs  and  applies  for  relief  is  not  the  time  when 
the  Lodge  may  stop  to  inquire  whether  the  brother 
has,  in  some  or  many  things,  offended,  and  he  must 
be  presumed  to  be  worthy  until  his  unworthiness 
has  been  judicially  determined;  and,  further,  it  is 
not  the  province  of  the  Charity  Committee  of  a 
Lodge  at  any  time  to  canvass  or  determine  the  ques- 
tion whether  or  not  a  member  of  their  Lodge  is 
worthy  of  Masonic  consideration.  Their  only  duty 
is  to  ascertain  if  the  member  is  in  actual  need,  and, 
if  they  find  he  is,  they  are  to  relieve  him. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  186. 

Sec.  409.  It  is  the  right  of  every  member  of  a 
Lodge  to  move,  at  any  one  of  its  meetings,  that  the 
Lodge  relieve  the  distress  of  any  one  of  its  own 
members,  and  it  is  not  within  the  discretion  of  the 
Master  to  refuse  to  entertain  such  a  motion. 

Vol.  XHI,  p.  186. 

Sec.  410.  On  the  presentation  of  charges,  if  the 
residence  of  the  accused  was  unknown,  the  Master 
of  the  Lodge  should  have  ordered  the  trial  to  pro- 
ceed ex  parte  and  at  once.  If  the  residence  of  the 
accused  was  known,  then  the  summons  and  accom- 
panying papers  should  have  been  mailed  to  the 
address  of  the  accused.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  192. 

Sec.  411.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  several  Inspectors 
to  qualify  the  officers  of  the  Lodges  in  their  respec- 
tive districts,  and  not  that  of  the  Grand  Lecturer. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  193. 

Sec.  412.  In  case  of  the  re-election  of  a  Master  or 
t'ast  Master  known  to  an  Inspector  to  be  competent 
and  qualified,  that  officer  shall  have  the  power  to 
issue  his  certificate  of  qualification  without  another 
personal  examination.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  195. 


406 


Sec.  413.  If  one  who  has  received  the  first,  or  the 
first  and  second  degrees  in  another  jurisdiction,  de- 
sires to  receive  the  remaining  degree  or  degrees  in 
and  become  a  member  of  a  Lodge  in  California,  he 
must  first  obtain  the  permission  of  the  Lodge  in 
which  he  has  been  initiated  to  make  the  petition; 
his  petition  must  be  acted  on  as  other  petitions  are, 
and  the  objection  mentioned  in  See.  6,  Art.  Ill,  Part 
III,  has  no  reference  to  such  a  case. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  197. 

Sec.  414.  The  Lodge  in  which  an  applicant  is  in- 
itiated gains,  and  can  retain  at  its  pleasure,  control 
over  him  as  an  Entered  Apprentice  or  Fellow  Craft. 
He  cannot  apply  to  another  Lodge  for  advancement 
without  the  consent  of  such  Lodge.  He  may  at  any 
time  apply  for  advancement  in  that  Lodge,  and  he 
is  entitled  to  receive  it  if  he  has  made  suitable  pro- 
ficiency and  no  objection  is  interposed  under  the 
provisions  of  Sec.  6,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Con- 
stitution. The  "dropping  from  the  roll,"  so-called, 
as  mentioned  in  a  former  regulation,  now  no  longer 
in  force,  never  meant  more  than  that  the  names  of 
Entered  Apprentices  and  Fellow  Crafts  should  not 
be  published  in  the  printed  proceedings  more  than 
two  years  in  either  of  those  grades.  Their  status  in 
the  Lodge  was  never  affected  by  that  regulation. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  197. 

Sec.  415.  The  pendency  of  charges  against  a  Mas- 
ter elect  does  not  debar  him  from  being  installed; 
his  election  gives  him  the  right  of  installation  upon 
obtaining  the  proper  certificate  of  qualification. 

Vol.  Xin,  p.  198. 

Sec.  416.  When  the  Secretary  of  a  Lodge  either 
does  not  or  cannot  perform  his  duty,  he  should  re- 
sign; and  if  he  does  not  resign,  then  he  ought  to  be 


DECISIONS  407 

displaced,  and  a  suitable  successor  appointed.  If  the 
brethren  persist  in  electing  an  incompetent  person, 
then  the  Master  ought  to  correct  the  situation  with- 
out delay.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  412. 

Sec.  417.     A  Commissioner  cannot  act  as  counsel 
for  the  accuser  or  the  accused  in  a  Masonic  trial. 
Vol.  XIII,  pp.  418,  619. 

Sec.  418.  When  a  non-affiliate  of  six  months  or 
more  applies  for  membership,  he  will  pay  a  sum 
equivalent  to  six  months '  dues  and  the  affiliation 
fee,  if  any.  If  he  be  rejected  he  places  himself  in 
good  standing  for  six  months;  and  if  he  applies 
again  within  the  said  six  months,  he  would  be  re- 
quired to  pay  only  the  affiliation  fee. 

Vol.  XIII,  pp.  418,  619. 

Sec.  419.  When  a  judgment  has  been  rendered  by 
a  Commission  duly  elected,  and  appears  upon  its 
face  to  be  regular  and  valid,  it  should  be  treated  as 
a  valid  judgment  until  the  appellate  tribunal  has 
declared  its  invalidity.  The  only  method  of  review 
which  our  law  has  provided  is  by  appeal  to  the 
Grand  Lodge.  Either  party  may  have  an  appeal, 
and  the  Grand  Lodge  can  render  such  final  judg- 
ment as  the  facts  of  the  case  require. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  619. 

Sec.  420.  However  it  may  have  been  in  the 
earlier  days  of  Masonry,  there  is  no  doubt  that, 
under  our  law,  the  Commissioners  to  try  an  Entered 
Apprentice  or  Fellow  Craft  must  be  Master  Masons, 
and  can  be  elected  only  by  a  Lodge  of  Master 
Masons.  Vol.  XIII,  pp.  418,  619. 

Sec.  421.  The  Grand  Master  decided  that  if,  upon 
a  ballot,  only  one  black  ball  appeared,  it  was  not 
competent  for  the  Master  to  declare  the  candidate 
rejectee]   without  first  ordering  a  second  ballot,  for 


408 


the  purpose  of  correcting  a  possible  mistake;  and 
in  a  case  where,  by  inadvertence,  the  Master  made 
the  declaration  without  ordering  the  re-ballot, 
directed  that  notice  be  given  to  all  who  were  pres- 
ent at  that  meeting,  and  that  a  second  ballot  be  had 
at  another  stated  meeting.  The  directions  of  the 
Constitution  are  so  explicit  in  regard  to  the  ballot 
as  to  leave  no  doubt  of  the  correctness  of  the 
decision.     (Overruled;  see  Sec.  543.) 

Vol.  XIII,  pp.  418,  619. 

Sec.  422.  A  non-affiliate  may  apply  to  any  Lodge 
in  this  jurisdiction  for  membership. 

Vol.  XIII,  pp.  419,  620. 

Sec.  423.  When  charges  have  been  preferred  and 
Commissioners  have  been  elected,  a  trial  must  be 
had,  and  the  fact  that  a  grand  jury  had  ignored  a 
bill  against  the  party  for  the  offense  charged,  could 
not  relieve  the  Commissioners  from  proceeding  with 
the  trial.  Vol.  XIII,  pp.  419,  620. 

Sec.  424.  Whenever  charges  have  been  preferred, 
which  ought  to  be  entertained  at  all,  the  Lodge  and 
the  whole  body  of  Masons  are  interested  in  the 
result;  and  it  ought  never  to  be  permitted  that  any 
Mason  should  make  use  of  the  procedure  of  the 
Lodge  for  the  adjustment  of  his  private  business 
affairs.  That  procedure  is  criminal  and  is  intended 
to  punish  offenses.  When  offenses  have  been  com- 
mitted we  are  all  interested  to  see  that  the  offender 
is  punished,  and  it  should  never  be  left  to  the  ac- 
cuser to  determine  whether  or  not  the  trial  should 
proceed.  The  Master  of  the  Lodge  should,  in  the 
exercise  of  a  proper  discretion,  determine  whether 
the  offense  charged  is  of  such  a  character  as  to 
demand  investigation,  and  in  that  he  will  look  to 
the  interests  of  the   Craft   and  not   to   the  private 


DECISIONS  409 

interests   of   the   accuser.      (Modifying    decision   of 
G.  M.)  Vol.  XIII,  pp.  419,  620. 

Sec.  425.  In  elections,  blanks  found  in  the  ballot- 
box  ought  not  to  be  counted  as  votes  cast.  In  the 
Grand  Lodge  blanks  have  never  been  counted. 

Vol.  XIII,  pp.  419,  620. 

Sec.  426.  If  a  Lodge  owns  real  estate,  not  re- 
quired for  the  purposes  of  the  Lodge,  it  has  the  un- 
doubted right  to  dispose  of  the  same,  provided  that 
due  notice  of  the  intended  action  be  given,  and  if, 
at  a  stated  meeting,  the  proposition  be  adopted  by 
a  majority  of  the  members  present. 

Vol.  XIII,  pp.  419,  620. 

Sec.  427.  The  members  of  a  Lodge  are  not  en- 
titled to  know  or  inquire  the  name  of  a  brother  who 
interposes  an  objection  to  the  initiation  of  a  candi- 
date any  more  than  they  would  the  name  or  motives 
of  the  party  casting  the  black  ball. 

Vol.  XIII,  pp.  419,  620. 

Sec.  428.  Persons  who  have  lost  one  or  more 
fingers  of  the  right  hand,  and  all  persons  who  have 
not  their  right  limbs  as  men  ought  to  have,  cannot 
lawfully  be  made  Masons  in  California.  (See  Regu- 
lation No.  11  and  Sec.  916.) 

Vol.  XIII,  pp.  419,  620. 

Sec.  429.  The  evidence  presented  on  the  trial  was 
amply  sufficient  to  warrant  the  sentence  of  expul- 
sion which  was  adjudged  by  the  Commissioners,  it 
being  a  certified  copy  from  the  records  of  the  Nine- 
teenth District  Court  of  the  divorce  of  the  accused 
from  his  wife  for  repeated  acts  of  adultery,  together 
with  the  cumulative  evidence  that  the  accused  had 
applied  for  a  new  trial  in  the  said  Court,  and  that 
his  application  has  been  denied. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  576. 


(410  DECISIONS 

Sec.  430.  It  is  fully  time  that  Masons  should 
understand  that  this  Grand  Lodge  has  again  and 
again  decided  that  no  previous  provocation  will  war- 
rant personal  violence  or  the  use  of  indecent  or 
threatening  language  to  a  brother  Mason.  » 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  578. 

Sec.  431.  The  accused,  while  in  an  intoxicated 
condition,  had  on  various  occasions  talked  on  Ma- 
sonic subjects  in  public  places  and  in  the  presence 
of  strangers;  he  had  used  such  expressions  as  that, 
"No  Jew  should  become  a  member  of  a  Masonic 
Lodge  while  he  belonged  to  it";  he  was  frequently 
seen  on  the  streets  under  the  influence  of  liquor; 
and  he  was  an  habitual  drunkard.  The  committee, 
in  rendering  a  verdict  of  suspension  instead  of  ex- 
pulsion, went  fully  as  they  were  justified  in  doing 
in  tempering  justice  with  mercy. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  578. 

Sec.  432.  When  a  brother  has  been  summoned  by 
his  Lodge  to  appear  for  trial,  may  he  remain  away 
and  another  brother  put  in  for  him  a  plea  of 
"guilty"? 

The  Grand  Master  decided  that  if  he,  without 
sufficient  excuse,  neglected  to  obey  the  summons,  his 
neglect  would  be  an  offense  for  which  he  might 
afterwards  be  tried;  that  the  plea  of  "guilty" 
could  be  put  in  by  the  party  on  trial  for  himself, 
but  not  by  another  for  him;  and  that,  when  he 
neglected  to  appear  and  plead,  the  trial  must  pro- 
ceed ex  parte. 

In  this  decision  the  committee  concur.  Masonic 
trials  are  strictly  criminal  proceedings,  and  the  ac- 
cused must  be  deemed  innocent  until  he  is  proven 
guilty  by  competent  evidence  or  by  his  own  confes- 


DECISIONS  411 

sion.     He   may,   for   himself,   plead   guilty,   but    it 
would  be  unsafe  to  permit  another  to  do  so  for  him. 

Vol.  Xni,  p.  603. 
Sec.  433.  *  When  a  Mason  is  in  prison  under  in- 
dictment for  murder,  the  Lodge  must  properly  wait 
till  the  trial  had  been  had,  and  his  guilt  or  innocence 
determined  in  the  proper  Court.  It  does  not  neces- 
sarily follow  that  a  party  is  guilty  because  an  in- 
dictment even  for  the  gravest  offense  has  been 
found  against  him.  Men  have,  from  time  to  time, 
been  indicted  and  tried  for  murder  when  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  killing  were  such  that  we  should 
all  consider  it  entirely  justifiable  and  the  party  free 
from  moral  as  well  as  legal  stain.  An  indictment 
should  create  so  strong  a  presumption  of  guilt  as  to 
demand  an  investigation  at  our  hands,  but,  the 
Courts  of  law  have  better  facilities  for  procuring 
the  attendance  of  witnesses  than  we  have,  and  we 
may  ordinarily  wait  till  a  result  of  a  trial  in  the 
Courts  has  been  announced.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  603. 

Sec.  434.  Would  the  Secretary  of  a  Lodge  be  justi- 
fied in  refusing  to  receive  the  dues  of  a  suspended 
member  of  his  Lodge  from  one  who  might  be  deemed 
to  have  a  personal  interest  in  making  such  payment, 
without  the  knowledge  of  the  suspended  member? 

The  Grand  Master  answered  that  the  Lodge  has 
a  right  to  expect  that  every  member  in  arrears  will, 
if  he  cannot  pay,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  make 
known  his  condition,  and  ask  remission  or  an  exten- 
sion of  time  for  payment,  and  that  a  failure  to  do 
so  would  be  culpable.  The  presumption  is,  and 
should  be,  that  such  payments  are,  when  made  by 
others  than  the  party  himself,  made  with  the  knowl- 
edge and  consent  of  the  party,  but  that  the  Secre- 
tary would  be  warranted  in  refusing  to  receive  such 


412 


payment  when  tendered  by  parties  who  are  induced 
to  make  it  by  their  own  personal  interest,  and  when 
the  receiving  of  it  be  in  conflict  with  the  good  of 
the  Lodge. 

As  the  case  was  put  to  the  Grand  Master  his 
decision  was  right.  As  a  rule,  however,  it  should 
not  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Secretary  to 
determine  whether  a  brother  offered  to  pay  the  dues 
of  another  was  doing  it  to  subserve  his  own  personal 
interest  or  not,  or  whether  the  good  of  his  Lodge 
would  be  best  promoted  by  receiving  or  refusing  the 
payment.  The  presumption  is,  and  should  be,  that 
the  brother  making  such  payment  does  it  from  pure 
motives,  and  that  it  will  meet  the  approval  of  the 
party  for  whom  it  was  made.  If  a  brother  is  in 
arrears  for  dues,  and  is  about  to  be,  or  has  been, 
suspended  for  non-payment  thereof,  ordinarily  an- 
other may  come  to  his  relief  and  make  payment  for 
him,  without  his  knowledge;  and  the  circumstances 
must  be  peculiar  that  would  make  it  proper  for  the 
Secretary  to  inquire  as  to  the  motive.  The  consent 
of  the  party  for  whom  the  payment  is  made  must 
be  presumed,  because  it  is  for  his  good.  If,  however, 
having  the  ability,  he,  himself,  had  refused  to  make 
the  payment,  then  no  other  should  offer  or  should  be 
allowed  to  make  it  for  him. 

A  Lodge  must  exact  the  payment  of  dues  to 
enable  it  to  meet  its  necessary  expenditures,  and  a 
member  is  bound  to  pay  his  dues  as  he  is  to  pay 
every  other  debt.  If  he  neglects  to  pay  without 
excuse  rendered,  the  law  suspends  him  and  cuts  him 
off  from  his  Masonic  privileges  so  long  as  his  neglect 
continues.  He  may  relieve  himself  at  any  time  by 
making  the  payment,  and  no  good  reason  occurs  to 
your  committee  why  he   should  not   be  relieved  if 


413 


another  makes  the  payment  for  him.  If  a  case 
should  occur  in  which  a  brother,  from  improper 
motives,  should  pay,  or  offer  to  pay,  the  arrearages 
of  another,  he  may  be  dealt  with  for  his  actual  or 
attempted  wrong.  No  Lodge  ought  to  have  any 
member  whose  dues,  if  in  arrears,  it  would  not  be 
willing  to  receive  from  any  one  offering  to  pay 
them;  and,  if  any  one  of  its  members,  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues,  is  unworthy  of  restoration,  he 
should  be  dealt  with  in  the  manner  prescribed  by 
our  laws.  (See  last  clause  of  Sec.  11,  Art.  Ill,  Part 
III,  of  the  Constitution.)   '  Vol.  XIII,  p.  603. 

Sec.  435.  If  one  Mason  buys  goods  from  another, 
and  subsequently  leaves  the  State  without  paying 
for  them,  the  Master  of  the  Lodge  having  jurisdic 
tion  should  not  entertain  charges  against  him  for 
his  failure  to  pay  the  debt,  unless  the  transaction 
was  fraudulent.  Lodges  are  not  instituted  for  the 
purpose  of  collecting  debts,  and  up  to  this  time  no 
procedure  has  been  devised  looking  to  such  a  pur- 
pose. Masonic  law  punishes  men  for  offenses 
against  the  moral  law,  but  does  not  attempt  to 
enforce  the  payment  of  debts. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  604;  Vol.  XV,  p.  686. 

Sec.  436.  Lodges  shall  not  be  permitted  through 
circular,  or  otherwise,  to  solicit  pecuniary  assist- 
ance from  the  Lodges  or  Masons  of  other  jurisdic- 
tions. Circumstances  may  be  such  as  to  render  a 
call  for  help  not  only  proper  but  necessary,  but 
none  of  us  like  professional  beggars.  Lodges  should 
manage  their  affairs  prudently.  If  they  are  poor, 
let  them  contrive  to  live  within  their  means.  If 
they  may  not  be  able  to  expend  in  charities  as  much 
as  they  would,  let 'them  expend  only  as  much  as 
they  can;  and,  above  all  things,  let  them  keep  free 


414 


from  debt.     If  they  must  have  help,  then  applica- 
tion should  be  made  to  their  own  Grand  Lodge. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  604. 
Sec.  437.  When  the  report  of  a  committee  has 
been  received  and  approved,  it  is  not  competent  for 
the  Lodge  to  expunge  any  part  of  it.  In  the  first- 
instance,  the  Lodge  could  receive  and  approve  or 
reject  the  report.  If  it  contained  anything  objec- 
tionable, it  could  refer  the  subject  again  to  the 
committee,  or  discharge  the  committee  who  had 
presented  the  report  and  appoint  another;  but 
expunging  records  is  not  in  order. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  605. 
Sec.  438.     A  dimit  granted  to  a  member  without 
any  legal  notice  on  the  part  of  the  member  that  he 
desired  a  dimit,  is  utterly  void  and  of  no  effect. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  621. 
Sec.   439.     The  provisions  of   our  law  allow  any 
brother  to  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge  from  the  de- 
cision of  a  Commission.     (See  Const.,  Sec.  10,  Art. 
IV,  Part  VI.)  Vol.  XIII,  p.  622. 

Sec.  440.  Masters  of  Lodges,  in  addition  to  the 
regularly  apointed  officers,  should  select  and  appoint 
from  among  the  qualified  members  of  the  Lodge, 
suitable  brethren  to  act  in  conferring  the  second 
section  of  the  third  degree,  whose  duty  it  would  be 
to  be  present,  prepared  to  work,  whenever  that 
degree  is  conferred.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  623. 

Sec.  441.  The  Grand  Lecturer  was  requested  to 
prepare  an  installation  service,  wherein  shall  be  em- 
bodied his  recommendation  that  a  proper  Certificate 
of  Qualification  of  the  Master  elect  be  presented  to 
the  installing  officer  at  each  installation. 

Vol.  XIII,  p.  624. 


DECISIONS  416 

Sec.  442.  The  Grand  Lecturer  was  requested  to 
compile  a  monitorial  work  to  be  used  in  this  juris 
diction,  which  work,  when  approved  by  the  Grand 
Lodge,  shall  be  substituted  for  that  now  in  use,  and 
that  no  change  in  such  monitorial  work  shall  be 
tolerated  or  permitted,  except  by  authority  of  the 
Grand  Lodge.  Vol.  XIII,  p.  624. 

Sec.  443.  The  necessity  for  visiting  Lodges  within 
their  respective  districts  should  be  left  to  the  sound 
judgment  of  the  Inspectors;  but  a  Lodge  shall  only 
be  required  to  pay  the  expense  of  the  Inspector's 
visit,  when  made  at  its  request.  (See  Vol.  XIV,  pp. 
181  and  182.  For  law  in  force,  see  Eegulation  No. 
15.)  Vol.  XIII,  p.  624. 

Sec.  444.  A  Lodge  should  not  permit  other  organi- 
zations to  participate  in  its  funeral  services.  If  the 
services  of  other  bodies  are  desired,  the  Lodge 
should  first  conclude  and  retire. 

Vol.  XIV,  pp.  20,  154. 

Sec.  445.  When  the  Lodge  was  willing  to  bury  a 
deceased  brother  with  Masonic  honors,  but  was  re- 
fused by  the  widow,  the  ceremonies  of  the  church 
were  employed,  and  subsequently  the  Lodge  was 
called  upon  to  defray  the  cost  of  the  burial.  In 
such  case  the  Lodge  can  refuse  to  pay  the  funeral 
expenses  with  eminent  propriety. 

Vol.  XIV,  pp.  20, 154. 

Sec.  446.  The  election  of  Grand  Officers  is  the  first 
business  of  the  Grand  Lodge  on  the  day  fixed  by 
the  Constitution,  and  until  the  election  shall  have 
been  concluded  no  other  business  shall  be  considered. 
(See  Regulation  No.  20.)  Vol.  XIV,  p.  151. 

Sec.  447.  When  a  member  is  more  than  six  months 
in  arrears  for  dues,  and  has  been  notified  as  pro- 


416 


vided  for  in  Sec.  11,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Con- 
stitution, the  Master  must  declare  him  suspended. 
He  has  no  discretion  or  authority  to  delay  the 
declaration.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  153. 

Sec.  448.  It  is  clear  that  until  a  member  delin- 
quent for  dues  has  been  notified  and  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  show  cause  lor  his  neglect,  he  cannot  be 
suspended.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  153. 

Sec.  449.  There  is  no  law  to  prevent  immediate 
action  on  a  petition  for  recommendation  of  a  new 
Lodge.  It  would  be  better  to  delay  action  until  the 
next  stated  meeting,  in  order  that  all  the  members 
might  be  notified  of  the  subject  to  be  acted  upon, 
and  every  member  of  the  Lodge  should  be  notified. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  154. 

Sec.  450.  A  brother  was  accused  of  gross  un- 
masonic  conduct,  in  that  he  refused  to  obey  the 
Master 's  gavel.  After  proper  trial  he  was  expelled. 
If  the  lawful  prerogatives  of  the  faster  are  not  sus- 
tained, the  whole  fabric  of  Masonry  falls  to  the 
ground.  Ours  is  essentially  an  autocratic  institution, 
and  no  one  of  our  regulations  should  be  more  care- 
fully maintained  than  that  of  the  absolute  right  of 
the  Master  to  control  his  Lodge.  He  is  accountable 
to  the  Grand  Lodge  only,  and  if  any  brother  con- 
siders himself  unjustly  treated,  he  has  his  remedy  by 
applying  to  that  supreme  authority.  (See  Sec.  583.) 
Vol.  XIV,  p.  165;  Vol.  XV,  p.  652;  Vol.  XVII,  p.  203. 

Sec.  451.  If  the  Master  elect  fails  to  qualify  and 
be  installed,  and  the  former  Master  cannot  or  will 
not  perform  the  duties,  the  Grand  Master  may,  upon 
the  application  of  the'  Lodge,  issue  a  dispensation 
under  which  the  vacancy  may  be  filled. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  168. 


417 


Sec.  452.  As  in  the  formation  of  a  new  Lodge  it 
is  a  prerequisite  for  a  Lodge  which  desires  to  change 
its  place  of  meeting  from  one  town  to  a  town  in 
proximity,  to  have  a  recommendation  from  the  near- 
est or  most  convenient  chartered  Lodge,  inasmuch  as 
one  Lodge  has  not  the  right  to  restrict  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  another,  lessen  the  amount  of  another's 
material,  occasion  the  dimission  of  another's  mem- 
bers, or  in  any  way  impair  the  condition  of  another. 

Vol.  XIV,  pp.  21, 167. 

Sec.  453.  When  a  man  not  a  Mason  removes  from 
this  State  and  becomes  a  resident  of  another  State, 
the  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction  he  lived  while 
here  has  no  authority  to  consent  that  the  degrees  be 
conferred  upon  him;  it  has  nothing  to  do  with  him. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  168. 

Sec.  454.  When  a  party  who  had  lived  in  Cali- 
fornia has  removed  to  other  territory  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  California,  it 
is  not  necessary  that  he  should  have  resided  in  that 
territory  for  one  year  before  making  application  for 
the  degrees  in  a  Lodge.  Vol.  XIV,  pp.  21, 168. 

Sec.  455.  Objection  to  the  initiation  of  a  person 
elected  to  receive  the  degrees  of  Masonry  in  a 
Lodge  may  be  made  to  the  Master  thereof  at  any 
time  before  the  initiation,  either  by  simple  oral  state- 
ment or  in  writing,  and  either  in  or  out  of  the 
Lodge.  It  is  sufficient  if  the  Master  is  advised  by 
the  brother  objecting  that  he  does  object. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  168. 

Sec.  456.  Kesidence  very  largely  depends  upon  the 
intention  of  the  party;  if  a  man  selects  some  place 
as  his  home  and  acquires  the  right  to  vote  there,  it 
is  his  residence  in  law,  and  should  be  considered  so 


418 


in  Masonry,  notwithstanding   the   exigencies  of   his 
business  may  keep  him  moving  from  place  to  place. 
Vol.  XIV,  p.  168;  Vol.  XV,  pp.  658,  660. 

Sec.  457.  The  word  "State"  means  "Jurisdic- 
tion." Vol.  XIV,  p.  168. 

Sec.  458.  The  Secretary  will  have  performed  the 
letter  of  his  duty  when  he  has  shown  himself  ready 
to  deliver  his  books  and  semi-annual  reports  to  the 
committee  appointed  to  examine  them  at  the  place 
of  keeping.  The  committee  have  not  the  power  to 
summon  him  to  appear  before  them  at  such  place  as 
they  might  name,  with  his  books  and  papers.  Such 
proceedings  should,  however,  be  attended  with  a 
reasonable  degree  of  courtesy.        Vol.  XIV,  p.  169. 

Sec.  459.  The  ritual  taught  by  the  Grand  Lec- 
turer and  the  Inspectors  is  the  only  work  recognized 
by  the  Grand  Lodge.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  181. 

Sec.  460.  No  Inspector  who  has  failed  to  make  the 
report  required  by  law  should  be  reappointed,  unless 
satisfactory  reasons  for  the  failure  are  assigned. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  181. 

Sec.  461.  Inspectors  are  directed  to  examine 
whether  Lodges  fulfill  the  requirements  of  the  Con- 
stitution relative  to  the  payment  of  dues. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  181. 

Sec.  462.  Except  for  funeral  services,  the  avoid- 
ance of  labor  on  Sunday  is  to  be  observed.  It  is 
neither  right  nor  legitimate  for  a  Lodge  to  work  on 
the  Sabbath.     (See  Eegulation  No.  29) 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  184. 

Sec.  463.  A  Lodge  cannot  rescind  a  contract  of 
life-membership  entered  into  with  a  brother  without 
his   consent.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  190. 


DECISIONS  419 

Sec.  464.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  no  power  to 
authorize  a  Past  Master  to  open  the  Lodge  and  per- 
form work  during  the  absence  of  himself  and 
Wardens;  the  Lodge  cannot  be  opened  except  by  or 
under  the  direction  and  with  the  presence  of  the 
Master  or  one  of  the  Wardens. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  190;  Vol.  XVI,  p.  736. 

Sec.  465.  In  the  absence  of  the  Master  and  Ward- 
ens, the  Lodge  cannot  be  opened  even  for  the  burial 
of  a  brother;  but  any  Mason  may,  on  such  an  oc- 
casion, read  the  burial  service. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  190;  Vol.  XVI,  p.  736. 

Sec.  466.  It  is  the  province  of  the  Master,  in  all 
cases  where  objection  is  made  to  the  admission  of  a 
visiting  brother,  to  determine  whether  the  objection 
is  sufficient,  and,  .in  his  discretion,  to  admit  or  ex- 
clude the  brother.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  190. 

Sec.  467.  The  installation  of  a  Master  who  has 
not  received  the  certificate  of  qualification  required 
by  General  Eegulation  No.  16,  is  void.  (See  Eegula- 
tion  No.  56.)  Vol.  XIV,  p.  190. 

Sec.  468.  When  a  Mason  is  charged  with  the  com- 
mission of  a  crime,  the  fact  that  he  has  been  ac- 
quitted by  a  civil  court  or  that  a  Grand  Jury  has 
refused  to  indict,  is  no  bar  to  his  trial  and  convic- 
tion by  a  Masonic  tribunal  for  the  same  offense. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  190. 

Sec.  469.  Charges  may  be  withdrawn  either  before 
or  after  the  election  of  the  Commission. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  191. 

Sec.  470.  If  either  the  accused  or  the  accuser  de- 
sire to  produce  evidence  before  the  Grand  Lodge  on 
appeal,  in  addition  to  that  produced  before  the  Trial - 
Commission,   he  must  cause  it  to  be  taken  within 


420  DECISIONS 

sixty  days  after  the  announcement  of  the  result  of 
the  trial  by  the  Master;  and  if  either  party  desires 
to  present  any  argument  before  the  Committee  on 
Grievances,  such  argument  must  be  transmitted  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  at  least  sixty  days  before  the 
meeting  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  (See  Eegulation  No. 
18.)  Vol.  XIV,  p.  191. 

Sec.  471.  The  Grand  Lodge  alone  has  power  to 
vacate  and  set  aside  a  judgment  of  suspension  or 
expulsion.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  191. 

Sec.  472.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Lodge  to  satisfy 
itself,  at  the  time  of  application  for  admission,  as  to 
the  moral  character  of  the  applicant;  and  this  hav- 
ing been  determined  his  status  in  the  order  must 
depend  entirely  upon  his  conduct  and  course  of  life 
after  his  admission.  Should  he  then  prove  himself 
unworthy,  the  remedy  against  his  misconduct  is 
ample.    *  Vol.  XIV,  p.  197. 

Sec.  473.  The  fact  that  a  brother  charged  with  a 
crime  had  been  acquitted  in  a  Court  of  Justice  is 
not  absolutely  conclusive,  and  a  Masonic  Court  may 
go  behind  such  acquittal;  but  such  a  decision  ought 
to  weigh  strongly  in  favor  of  the  accused,  and 
should  be  considered  prima  facie  evidence  in  his 
favor.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  199. 

Sec.  474.  The  installation  service  and  monitorial 
work,  as  prepared  and  compiled  by  the  Grand  Lec- 
turer, is  adopted  as  the  ritual  for  this  jurisdiction. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  202. 

Sec.  475.  An  election  for  officers  held  at  any 
meeting  other  than  that  provided  in  the  Constitu- 
tion, unless  by  special  dispensation,  is  illegal  and 
void.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  418. 


421 


Sec.  476.  Inspectors  are  authorized  to  correct  the 
work  of  a  Lodge  and  examine  its  records. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  418. 

Sec.  477.  When  a  Master  shall  refuse  or  fails  to 
qualify,  his  predecessor  should  not  continue  in  the 
functions  of  the  office  longer  than  until  a  special 
election  can  be  held  under  a  dispensation  from  the 
Grand  Master.  Vol:  XIV,  p.  418. 

Sec.  478.  For  good  reasons  shown,  the  Master  of 
a  Lodge  may,  in  his  discretion,  adjourn  the  trial  for 
more  than  ten  days.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  418. 

Sec.  479.  The  presence  of  a  majority  of  the  Com- 
missioners is  sufficient,  because  the  judgment  of  a 
majority  of  the  entire  Commission  is  considered  as 
a  decision  of  the  whole.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  418. 

Sec.  480.  The  laws  regulating  trials  do  not  pro- 
vide for  filling  vacancies  which  may  occur  in  a  Com- 
mission, unless  a  majority  thereof  shall  have  been 
found  to  be  disqualified;  and  a  majority  may  act — 
but  to  convict,  the  concurrence  of  a  majority  of  the 
entire  Commission,  and  not  alone  a  majority  of 
those  present,  is  essential.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  418. 

Sec.  481.  When  funeral  ceremonies  are  conducted 
by  organizations  other  than  a  Lodge  of  Masons,  the 
members  of  a  Lodge  cannot,  as  Masons,  take  part  in 
the  ceremony,  but  as  private  citizens  only.  (See 
Eegulation  No.  19.)  Vol.  XIV,  p.  418. 

Sec.  482.  A  Masonic  Lodge  cannot  hold  its  meet- 
ings in  a  hall  situated  in  a  town  or  village  other 
than  that  in  which  it  is  sought  by  dispensation  to 
establish  a  Lodge.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  418. 

Sec.  483.  The  position  that  when  a  member  of  a 
Lodge  dies  he  ceases  to  be  a  member  thereof,  and 
therefore  the  widow  and  orphans  of  such  deceased 


422 


Mason  have  no  longer  any  claim  upon  the  Lodge  of 
which  he  was  a  member,  but  must  look  to  Masons 
generally  for  that  relief  and  consolation  which  the 
brother  was  taught  to  believe  would  be  given  by  the 
members  of  his  own  Lodge,  is  wholly  untenable  and 
at  variance  with  every  principle  of  Masonry. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  419. 
Sec.  484.  It  is  improper  for  a  Mason  to  lecture 
an  applicant  for  visitation  or  affiliation,  who  has,  on 
examination,  failed  to  gain  admission  into  a  Lodge, 
the  applicant  having  no  brother  to  vouch  for  him. 
To  do  so  is  a  most  reprehensible  proceeding,  and 
should  subject  the  offending  brother  to  proper 
discipline.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  419. 

Sec.  485.  No  appeal  from  the  decision  of  a  Mas- 
ter can,  under  any  circumstances,  be  made  to  his 
Lodge.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  419. 

Sec.  486.  The  family  of  a  Mason  who  has  taken 
his  own  life  has,  if  the  brother  was  in  good  stand- 
ing at  the  time  of  his  death,  as  much  claim  on 
the  Lodge  for  aid  and  protection  as  if  his  death  had 
not  resulted  from  his  own  act.        Vol.  XIV,  p.  419. 

Sec.  487.  After  Trial-Commissioners  had  balloted 
upon  all  the  specifications  of  a  charge  laid  before 
them,  and  had  signed  the  findings  and  judgment, 
the  Commission  could  not  re-assemble  and  review 
their  proceedings,  or  do  anything  further,  as  the 
whole  matter  had  passed  out  of  their  hands. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  419. 

Sec.  488.  There  is  nothing  unmasonic,  or  even 
reprehensible,  in  holding  a  dancing  party  in  a  Ma- 
sonic hall.  Social  festivities,  when  properly  con- 
ducted,  do  not  desecrate  the  Lodge-room,  it  being 


423 


understood,  of  course,  that  members  on  such  occa- 
sions are  not  to  be  clothed  as  Masons. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  419. 
Sec.    489.      It    is    improper    and    unlawful    for    a 
Masonic  Lodge  to  incorporate  under  State  laws. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  419. 
Sec.  490.    A  Lodge  may  acquire  and  hold  stock  in 
any  incorporated  company.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  419. 

Sec.  491.  A  Master  refusing  initiation  after  the 
election  of  a  candidate,  for  the  reason  that  a  mem- 
ber objected  whose  name  and  grounds  of  objection 
the  Master  refused  to  state,  acted  correctly. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  419. 

Sec.  492.  To  ballot  for  and  elect  as  a  member  of 
a  Lodge  an  applicant  for  affiliation  who,  not  being 
vouched  for,  is  unable  to  prove  himself  a  Mason 
before  the  examining  committee,  is  totally  wrong 
and  unjustifiable,  and  cannot  be  condemned  in  too 
strong  terms.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  419. 

Sec.  493.  The  Grand  Master  cannot  stay  or  inter- 
fere with  the  judgment  and  sentence  of  a  Lodge; 
the  only  remedy  of  a  brother  deeming  himself  ag- 
grieved or  injured  by  the  findings  and  judgment  of 
a  Commission  lies  in  an  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge; 
and  pending  such  appeal,  the  sentence  of  the  Lodge 
must  be  carried  into  effect  and  remain  in  force  until 
set  aside  by  a  decision  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  An 
appeal  stays  execution  of  a  sentence  of  reprimand. 
(See  Sec.  69.)  Vol.  XIV,  p.  421. 

Sec.  494.  The  non-payment  of  a  debt  is  no  Ma- 
sonic offense.  To  make  it  one,  fraud  must  be 
charged  and  proved.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  559. 

Sec.  495.  Employing  a  stenographer  to  take  testi- 
mony is  disapproved,  and  all  Lodges  in  this  juris- 


424 


diction  are  forbidden  in  future  to  resort  to  any 
means  of  perpetuating  testimony  other  than  those 
provided  by  our  Constitution  and  Eegulations.  (See 
Begulation  No.  21,  as  amended,  1907.) 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  562. 
Sec.  496.  A  Master  Mason  who  had  been  sen- 
tenced by  his  Lodge  to  reprimand,  and  was,  on 
appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge  suspended  by  it,  would, 
on  being  restored  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  occupy  the 
position  of  "&  Mason  at  large. "  His  restoration 
by  the  Grand  Lodge  would  not  restore  him  to  mem- 
bership in  the  Lodge.  That  membership  ceased  upon 
his  suspension,  whether  that  suspension  was  by  the 
subordinate  Lodge,  affirmed  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  or 
by  the  Grand  Lodge  directly;  and  that  connection, 
having  been  thus  completely  extinguished,  could 
only  be  revived  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  Sec.  1, 
Art.  I,  Part  V,  of  the  Constitution.  It  would  not 
be  in  the  power  of  the  Grand  Lodge  to  restore  him 
to  membership.  He  would  be  entitled  to  all  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  except  those  which 
are  incident  to  membership  in  a  particular  Lodge. 
These  latter  peculiar  rights  and  privileges  he  could 
only  acquire  by  affiliation,  upon  petition  and  elec- 
tion in  the  regular  mode.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  563. 

Sec.  497.  Whether  the  use  of  the  name  and  em- 
blems of  Freemasonry  in  business  matters  is  censur- 
able or  not,  depends  largely  upon  the  nature  and 
character  of  the  business  in  which  they  are  used. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  564. 

Sec.  498.  No  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  here- 
after receive  an  application  for  affiliation  until  the 
applicant  shall  have  proved,  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the  Master  of  such  Lodge,  that  he  is  a  Master 
Mason.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  581. 


425 


Sec.  499.  The  province  of  the  Master  in  Masonic 
trials  is  simply  to  decide  such  questions  of  law  as 
may  arise  during  the  trial,  with  perfect  indiffer- 
ence as  to  the  effect  or  result  of  such  decision.  To 
attempt  to  suppress  evidence;  to  badger,  confuse, 
or  annoy  a  witness;  to  endeavor  to  put  words  into 
his  mouth;  to  express  his  own  opinion  as  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  accused  in  regard  to  certain  facts, 
or  as  to  his  purpose  or  motive  in  doing  certain  things; 
or  to  declare  his  opinion  as  to  the  value,  weight,  or 
effect  of  certain  evidence,  is  entirely  beyond  his 
proper  province  and  cannot  be  too  severely  repri- 
manded. He  is  there  simply  to  declare  the  law. 
The  Commissioners  are  to  settle  all  questions  of 
fact,  without  reference  to  the  opinions,  surmises,  or 
suspicions  of  the  Master;  and  it  is  not  proper  for 
him  to  indicate  his  opinions,  suspicions,  or  sur- 
mises. Vol.  XIV,  p.  582. 

Sec.  500.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  set  its  face  firmly 
against  taking  cognizance  of  mere  business  con- 
troversies, in  which  there  is  no  fraud,  breach  of 
trust,  misrepresentation,  or  bad  faith.  Masonry 
deals  with  violations  of  the  moral  law  alone;  but 
when  there  is  an  obvious  violation  of  that  law,  the 
Mason  should  not  be  permitted  to  shield  himself 
behind  the  fact  that  it  occurred  in  the  course  of  a 
business  transaction.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  582. 

Sec.  501.  No  Mason  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
Grand  Lodge  shall  participate  Masonically  in  any 
so-called  Masonic  funeral  service  or  ceremonial, 
other  than  that  prescribed  by  this  Grand  Lodge  and 
conducted  by  a  Lodge  of  Master  Masons.  (Re- 
scinded.   See  Vol.  XV,  p.  172.)       Vol.  XIV,  p.  584. 


426  DECISIONS 

Sec.  502.  If  the  authority  of  an  Inspector  may 
be  set  at  naught  at  the  caprice  of  the  Master  of  a 
Lodge,  then  the  object  and  purpose  of  the  system  of 
inspection  will  fail.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  clothed 
the  Inspector  with  authority  to  convene  a  Lodge  for 
inspection,  and  should  see  that  authority  sustained 
in  order  that  the  dignity  of  the  office  may  not  fall 
into  contempt  and  the  usefulness  of  the  Inspector 
be  destroyed.  If  a  Master  refuses  to  convene  his 
Lodge  when  notified  by  the  Inspector,  he  should  be 
reported  by  the  Inspector  to  the  Grand  Master. 

Vol.  XIV,  p.  595. 

Sec.  503.  If  a  Lodge  fails  to  install  a  Master, 
within  a  reasonable  time,  who  shall  be  qualified  to 
confer  the  three  degrees  of  Masonry  in  accordance 
with  the  ritual  adopted  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Master  to  demand  the 
surrender  of  its  charter.  Vol.  XIV,  p.  596. 

Sec.  504.  The  expense  incident  to  the  trial  of  a 
non-affiliate  should  be  borne  by  the  Lodge  prefer-, 
ring  the  charge.  Vol.  XV,  pp.  16,.  658. 

Sec.  505.  When  a  candidate  has  taken  the  obliga- 
tion in  the  third  degree,  and,  in  the  progress  of  the 
following  ceremonies,  is  suddenly  stricken  with  such 
an  illnes  as  requires  his  immediate  removal  from 
the  Lodge,  and  thereafter  continues  so  dangerously 
ill  that  further  ceremonies  could  not  be  observed, 
he  is  entitled  to  all  the  consideration  and  attention 
to  which  members  are  entitled,  including  burial; 
but  is  not  entitled  to  sit  in  the  Lodge  until  further 
instructed.  Vol.  XV,  pp.  16,  658.      , 

Sec.  506.  If  a  vacancy  occurs  in  the  office  of  Sec- 
retary, the  Master  may  appoint  a  brother  to  fill  it 
for  the  unexpired  term.     (See  Regulation  No.  74.) 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  17,  660. 


DECISIONS  427 

Sec.  507.  The  office  of  Master  does  not  become 
vacant  by  the  failure  of  his  Lodge  to  elect  at  the 
usual  time  of  elections,  nor  by  the  failure  of  the 
brother  elected  to   qualify  and  be  installed. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  17,  660. 

Sec.  508.  When  a  petitioner  for  the  three  degrees 
had  been  elected  and,  having  received  the  first  de- 
gree, or  the  first  and  second  degrees,  had  waited  for 
several  years  before  presenting  himself  for  further 
advancement,  a  new  ballot  was  neither  necessary 
nor  proper.  Vol.  XV,  pp.  17,  659. 

Sec.  509.  A  suspended  brother  has  the  absolute 
right,  at  any  time,  even  upon  his  dying  bed  and 
in  articulo  mortis,  to  make  payment  of  his  dues,  and 
neither  the  Secretary  nor  his  Lodge  can  rightfully 
refuse  to  receive  payment.  The  tender  of  the 
amount,  whether  received  or  not,  would  affect  his 
immediate  restoration,  and  no  inquiry  should  be 
allowed  as  to  his  motive  in  making  the  payment  or 
tender.  The  same  result  would  ensue  if  a  third  per- 
son had,  at  his  request,  made  the  payment  or  tender. 
The  act  would  have  been  his — as  much  his  as  if 
made  by  his  own  hand.  The  maxim,  "who  does 
through  another,  does  through  himself,' '  applies 
exactly,  and  it  would  make  no  difference  whether 
the  person  employed  were  a  Mason  or  not.  A  child 
could  do  the  act  as  effectually  as  a  man.  Nor 
would  it  make  any  difference  whether  the  money 
was  his  own  or  loaned,  or  given  to  him  by  a  friend 
or  a  stranger,  nor  whether,  if  given,  it  was  given 
for  a  mercenary  or  charitable  purpose. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  18,  661. 

Sec.  510.  A  Mason,  who  was  at  the  time  under 
suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues,  was  tried  on 
charges. for  unmasonic  conduct  and  sentenced  to  be 


428 


reprimanded.  The  reprimand  should  be  given  in 
open  Lodge,  and  the  party  should  be  sumomned  to 
attend  and  be  received  for  that  purpose. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  18,  661. 

Sec.  511.  Whenever  a  Lodge,  believing  that  one 
of  its  members,  or  a  Mason  within  its  jurisdiction, 
has  been  guilty  of  an  offense,  has  directed  that 
charges  be  preferred  against  the  offender,  the  Lodge 
is  the  complainant,  and  the  party  against  whom  the 
offense  was  committed  can  have  no  control  over  the 
case  in  any  stage  of  the  proceedings;  and  not  even 
the  Master  could,  in  such  a  case,  withdraw  the 
charge,  except  by  direction  of  the  Lodge.  If  the 
brother  against  whom  the  offense  had  been  com- 
mitted should  refuse  when  summoned  to  appear  and 
testify  as  a  witness,  there  should  be  another  trial, 
the  result  of  which  ought  to  be  very  certain. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  18,  661. 

Sec.  512.  A  Lodge  can,  through  Trustees,  buy, 
hold,  manage  and  sell  property  as  effectually  and 
quite  as  conveniently  as  it  could  if  incorporated, 
and  nothing  would  be  gained  by  incorporation.  The 
Lodge  may  appoint  its  Trustees  and  give  them  such 
powers,  and  such  powers  only,  over  its  property  as 
it  desires  to  give.  They  are  at  all  times  under  its 
control  and  direction.  They  can  sell  or  mortgage, 
by  direction  of  the  Lodge,  and  the  proceedings  are 
all  simple,  well  understood,  and  inexpensive.  (See 
Sec.  856.)  Vol.  XV,  p.  188. 

Sec.  513.  Installations  may  be  either  public  or 
private.  Vol.  XV,  p.  189. 

Sec.  514.  A  brother  dying  while  under  suspen- 
sion, cannot  be  restored  to  Masonic  life  any  more 


DECISIONS  429 

than  he  could  be  to  physical  life.     No  action  on  the 
part  of  the  Grand  Lodge  can  be  had. 

Vol.  XV,  p.  192. 
Sec.  515.  The  Commissioners  met  to  deliberate 
upon  the  verdict.  Only  eight  of  the  nine  were  pres- 
ent— four  voted  "guilty,"  and  four  "not  guilty." 
It  was  held  by  the  Grand  Lodge  that  there  was  no 
verdict,  the  Constitution,  Sec.  8,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI, 
requiring  a  majority  of  all  the  Commissioners  to 
render  a  verdict.  Vol.  XV,  pp.  202,  647. 

Sec.  516.  Charges  were  preferred  by  the  Junior 
Warden,  by  order  of  the  Lodge;  the  appeal  was 
taken  by  the  Master  of  the  Lodge.  Both  acts  being 
the  action  of  the  Lodge  through  its  proper  repre- 
sentatives, the  appeal  was  properly  taken. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  202,  647. 

Sec.  517.  No  moneys  (except  such  as  may  be  dis- 
bursed by  the  Charity  Committee)  can  legally  be 
drawn  from  the  treasury  of  a  Lodge  without  its 
express  consent  and  under  its  instructions.  Such 
consent  should  always  appear  in  the  minutes,  and 
every  warrant  drawn  upon  and  paid  by  the  Treas- 
urer should  be  shown  by  the  minutes  to  have  been 
thus  expressly  authorized  to  issue. 

Vol.  XV,  p.  204. 

Sec.  518.  The  minutes  of  a  Lodge  should  furnish 
a  complete  history  of  all  its  transactions  outside  of 
its  esoteric  work.  Every  action  of  the  Lodge  relat- 
ing to  its  business  matters  should  be  clearly  and 
concisely  set  forth  therein,  and,  in  every  case  where, 
by  our  Constitution  and  Eegulations,  a  particular 
mode  of  procedure  is  prescribed,  the  minutes  should 
show  that  the  prescribed  course  has  been  pursued — 
not  by  stating  a  mere  conclusion,  but  by   a  plain 


430 


statement   of  the  fnots   whence  the  conclusion  fol- 
lowed. Vol.  XV,  p.  204. 

Sec.  519.  The  funds  of  a  Masonic  Lodge  are  set 
apart  for  its  necessary  expenses  and  for  the  special 
calls  for  charity  for  which  the  Lodge  was  instituted; 
and  no  Lodge  should  expend  such  funds  for  any 
other  purpose,  however  worthy  or  patriotic  it  may 
be.  For  all  purposes,  other  than  those  recognized  as 
purely  Masonic,  the  members  of  the  Lodge,  desiring 
to  make  contributions,  should  make  them  from  their 
private  funds.     (See  Eegulations  Nos.  57  and  59.) 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  440,  686. 

Sec.  520.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  is  justified  in 
refusing  to  entertain  a  charge  of  unmasonic  conduct 
against  a  Mason  when  the  only  specification  is  that 
the  accused  had  refused  to  renew  a  promissory  note 
which  the  accuser  had  allowed  to  become  barred  by 
the  Statute  of  Limitations. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  441,  686. 

Sec.  521.  The  reversal  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  a 
judgment  of  suspension  or  expulsion  by  a  subordin- 
ate Lodge,  at  once  restores  the  party  to  all  his  rights 
and  privileges  in  his  Lodge. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  441,  686. 

Sec.  522.  When  a  Mason  who  is  a  member  of  a 
Lodge,  but  who  resides  within  the  jurisdiction  of 
some  other  Lodge  in  this  State,  is  guilty  of  an 
offense,  charges  may  be  preferred  against  him  either 
in  his  own  Lodge  or  in  the  Lodge  within  whose 
jurisdiction  he  resides,  both  having  jurisdiction — the 
one  by  reason  of  his  membership,  and  the  other  by 
reason  of  his  residence.  Vol.  XV,  pp.  441,  686. 

Sec.  523.  It  is  the  duty  of  an  Inspector  to  refuse 
to  give  a  Certificate  of  Qualification  to  any  Master- 
elect  who  fails  to  qualify,  and  to  report  to  the  Grand 


431 


Master  the  case  of  every  Master-elect  who  fails  to 
qualify  within  the  proper  time. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  441,  686. 

Sec.  524.  There  is  no  Statute  of  Limitation  that 
will  bar  the  prosecution  of  a  brother  for  unmasonic 
conduct. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  441,  687;  Vol.  XVII,  p.  202. 

Sec.  525.  An  application  for  affiliation,  accom- 
panied by  the  necessary  amount  of  dues  and  the  fee 
therefor  (if  a  fee  be  required),  places  the  applicant 
in  good  standing,  whether  his  application  be  ac- 
cepted or  rejected,  and  he  may  renew  such  applica- 
tion every  six  months  or  oftener,  if  he  chooses;  but 
the  particular  application  acted  upon  by  the  Lodge 
cannot  be  again  referred.  (See  Const.,  Sec.  8,  Art. 
V,  Part  VI.)  Vol.  XV,  pp.  441,  687. 

Sec.  526.  If  a  non-affiliate,  who  had  maintained 
his  standing  as  indicated  in  Sec.  525,  should  die,  it 
is  the  duty  of  the  Lodge  or  Lodges  having  jurisdic- 
tion to  bury  him  with  Masonic  honors. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  441,  687. 

Sec.  527.  In  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of 
Treasurer  of  a  Lodge,  the  Master  should  fill  the 
vacancy  by  appointment;  and  no  election  can  be 
held  for  that  purpose  till  the  next  annual  election, 
without  a  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  441,  687. 

Sec.  528.  It  is  the  duty  of  a  Master  to  install  his 
successor,  and  it  is  not  the  privilege  of  the  Master- 
elect  to  select  the  installing  officer  or  in  any  way 
interfere  with  the  duties  or  privileges  of  the  office* 
until  he  is  installed;  but  a  Master-elect  who  has 
been  installed  by  a  Past  Master,  though  selected 
by  himself,  is  duly  installed. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  441,  687. 


432 


Sec.  529.  The  Master  has  discretion  to  admit  or 
exclude  visitors;  and  when  objection  is  made,  he 
may  require  that  the  reasons  therefor  be  stated  to 
him,  and  must  judge  of  their  sufficiency. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  442,  687. 

Sec.  530.  The  Master  may  enjoin  secrecy  upon  all 
present  in  his  Lodge  in  regard  to  such  matters  as 
may  transpire  therein  which,  in  his  judgment, 
should  not  be  known  elsewhere;  and  for  any  viola- 
tion of  such  injunction,  a  charge  of  unmasonic 
conduct  should  be  speedily  preferred  against  the 
offender.  Vol.  XV,  pp.  442,  686. 

Sec.  531.  The  Master  ought  never  to  partici- 
pate in  the  debate  of  questions  before  his  Lodge, 
unless  he  first  calls  one  of  his  Wardens  or  a  Past 
Master  to  the  chair  and  takes  the  floor. 

Vol.  XV,  pp.  442,  686. 

Sec.  532.  The  Grand  Master  decided  that  when  a 
judgment  of  conviction  for  an  alleged  Masonic  of- 
fense has  been  reversed  and  set  aside  by  the  Grand 
Lodge,  charges  for  the  same  offense  may  again  be 
preferred,  and  the  accused  be  again  put  upon  trial 
therefore,  and  that  the  testimony  offered  in  the 
former  trial,  with  other  testimony,  may  again  be 
offered. 

The  Committee  on  Jurisprudence  did  not  agree 
with  the  Grand  Master  in  this  decision,  although 
they  were  aware  that  it  is  sustained  by  some  Ma- 
sonic authorities  of  good  repute.  The  committee 
say:  "There  is  a  maxim  which  has  come  down  to 
us  from  the  old  Eoman  judges,  and  which  has  been 
adopted  in  every  system  of  jurisprudence,  that  it  is 
for  the  public  weal  that  there  should  be  an  end  to  a 
litigation;  and,  following  this  maxim,  that  a  de- 
fendant  shall   not   be   twice   vexed   with   the   same 


433 


contention,  whether  that  be  in  its  nature  civil  or 
criminal;  your  committee  think  that  the  maxim 
should  have  the  same  application  in  Masonic  as  in 
civil  tribunals.  On  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  a 
subordinate  Lodge  the  accuser  may  introduce  in 
Grand  Lodge  any  additional  or  new  evidence  which 
he  may  have  discovered;  but  when  the  Grand  Lodge 
has  determined  that  the  accused  ought  not  to  have 
been  convicted,  and  has  vacated  and  set  aside  a 
judgment  of  conviction,  without  ordering  a  new 
trial,  they  think  that  its  judgment  ought  to  be  final 
and  conclusive.  It  is  for  the  interests  of  our 
Fraternity  that  there  should  be  some  end  to  litiga- 
tion. » >  Vol.  XV,  pp.  440,  687. 

Sec.  533.  It  is  a  matter  of  wonder  that  any  Lodge 
or  Master  should  be  found  so  derelict  in  its  or  his 
duty  to  the  Fraternity  as  not  to  give  immediate 
attention  to  objections  made  or  stated  by  another 
Lodge,  or  even  by  any  worthy  Mason,  to  any  candi- 
date knocking  at  its  doors  for  advancement.  '  (But 
see  Sec.  929.)  Vol.  XV,  p.  687. 

Sec.  534.  All  transcripts  of  trial-records,  when 
prepared  by  the  Secretary  of  any  subordinate  Lodge 
in  this  jurisdiction,  shall,  before  being  transmitted 
to  the  Grand  Secretary,  be  submitted  to  the  Master 
of  the  Lodge,  who  shall  carefully  examine  the  same 
and  see  that  they  comply  with  the  twentieth  and 
twenty-first  paragraphs  of  the  Form  of  Transcripts, 
and  that  it  is  fairly  and  legibly  written,  with  suffi- 
cient spaces  between  papers  and  testimony,  and 
otherwise  complies  with  the  law  and  regulations  of 
the  Grand  Lodge;  and  who  shall  endorse  his  ap- 
proval thereon.  Vol.  XV,  p.  626. 


434 


Sec.  535.  There  certainly  can  be  no  verdict  or 
judgment  of  conviction  or  acquittal  until  a  majority 
of  all  the  Commissioners  elected  to  try  the  case 
have  rendered  a  verdict  of  conviction  or  acquittal. 

Vol.  XV,  p.  648. 

Sec.  536.  Under  our  Constitution,  the  Grand 
Lodge  has  no  jurisdiction  to  consider  a  case  upon 
its  merits  until  a  Trial-Commission  has  rendered  a 
verdict  therein.  *  Vol.  XV,  p.  648. 

Sec.  537.  No  Lodge  under  the  jurisdiction  of 
this  Grand  Lodge  shall  confer  any  degree  of  Ma- 
sonry on  Sunday.     (See  Eegulation  No.  29.) 

Vol.  XV,  p.  677. 

Sec.  538.  The  fact  that  the  widow  of  a  deceased 
member  of  the  Lodge  has  removed  from  the  juris- 
diction of  the  Lodge,  does  not  relieve  the  Lodge 
from  its  duty  to  see  that  she  is  properly  cared  for. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  17,  278. 

Sec.  539.  Where  a  candidate  for  the  degrees  had 
been  rejected  by  a  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction 
he  was  residing,  a  dispensation  could  not  be  granted 
to  authorize  another  Lodge  to  re-ballot  upon  his 
petition,  because  the  Lodge  which  had  received  his 
petition  and  rejected  it  is  the  only  one  that  can, 
by  our  law,  petition  the  Grand  Master  for  a  dis- 
pensation to  re-ballot  upon  such  a  petition. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  17,  278. 

Sec.  540.  Cubes  may  be  used  as  substitutes  for 
black-balls  in  ballotings.  Vol.  XVI,  p.  278. 

Sec.  541.  An  application  for  affiliation  cannot  be 
withdrawn  after  it  has  been  referred  to  a  commit- 
tee. The  law  is  general  that  no  petition,  whether 
for  degrees  or  affiliation,  can  be  withdrawn  after 
such   reference,  unless   the   Lodge   should   discover, 


43o 


from  the  report  of  the  committee,  that  the  petition 
ought  not  to  have  been  received,  as  provided  in  Sec. 
3,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  17,  278. 
Sec.  542.  When  one  black-ball  appeared  in  the 
first  and  second  ballots  for  a  candidate  for  the  de- 
grees, the  Master  had  no  authority  to  order  a  third 
ballot;  in  a  case  where  a  third  ballot  was  ordered 
and  the  candidate  declared  elected,  the  election  so 
declared  was  void.  Vol.  XVI,  pp.  17,  278. 

Sec.  543.  Upon  the  application  for  degrees  one 
black-ball  appeared  on  the  first  ballot,  and  the 
Master,  without  ordering  a  second  ballot,  declared 
the  candidate  rejected.  This  being  reported  to  the 
Grand  Master,  he  directed  that  all  the  members  of 
the  Lodge  be  notified  and  that  another  ballot  be  had 
at  the  next  stated  meeting.  The  Committee  on  Juris- 
prudence say:  "The  Master  committed  an  error  in 
not  having  at  once  ordered  the  second  ballot,  but 
that  could  hardly  be  corrected  by  another  error  on 
the  part  of  the  Grand  Master,  in  directing  that  a 
second  ballot  should  not  be  had  at  a  second  meeting 
of  the  Lodge.  The  inhibition  of  the  Constitution, 
Sec.  3,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  is  positive  and  exact.  If 
it  could  not  be  postponed  to  another  meeting,  it 
certainly  could  not  be  had  at  another  meeting. " 
This  overrules  the   decision  contained  in  Sec.  421. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  17,  279. 

Sec.  544.  A  Lodge  may  elect  any  one  of  its  mem- 
bers, possessing  the  requisite  qualifications,  as  a 
Trial-Commissioner,  although  he  be  not  present  at 
the  time  of  the  election.  Vol.  XVII,  pp.  18,  278. 


436 


Sec.  545.  A  Lodge  cannot  grant  a  dimit  to  one  of 
its  members  except  upon  an  application  made  by 
himself  or  by  some  one  authorized  by  him. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  18,  278. 

Sec.  546.  A  petition  for  affiliation  can  be  acted 
upon  by  the  Lodge  receiving  it  but  once,  and  if  the 
petitioner  desires  to  renew  his  application  he  must 
do  so  by  a  new  petition.         Vol.  XVI,  pp.  18,  278. 

Sec.  547.  At  an  election  for  officers  none  but 
members  whose  dues  are  paid  are  entitled  to  vote 
or  are  eligible  to  any  office  in  the  Lodge;  and  one 
elected  as  Master,  who  was  at  the  time  of  the  elec- 
tion in  arrears  for  dues,  could  not  be  legally  in- 
stalled. Vol.  XVI,  pp.  18,  278. 

Sec.  548.  One  who  is  ruptured  is  not  eligible  for 
the  degrees  of  Masonry.  (See  Eegulation  No.  11 
and  Sec.  916.)  Vol.  XVI,  pp.  18,  278. 

Sec.  549.  Every  Master  Mason  who  is  in  good 
standing  at  the  time  of  his  death,  is  entitled  to  be 
buried  with  Masonic  honors;  and  the  Master  of  a 
Lodge  has  no  discretion  to  determine  whether  he 
should  or  should  not  be  so  buried. 

Vol.  XVI,  p.  279. 

Sec.  550.  A  judgment  of  acquittal  by  the  sub- 
ordinate Lodge  of  which  the  accused  is  a  member, 
should  not  be  reversed  or  disturbed  by  the  Commit- 
tee on  Grievances  or  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  except  in 
ease  of  gross  violation  of  Masonic  law  by  the  Trial- 
Commissioners  or  by  the  Lodge  acquitting  him, 
whatever  may  be  done  in  a  case  of  conviction  by 
way  of  reversing  or  modifying  a  sentence.  It  holds 
as  well  in  Masonic  as  in  civil  jurisprudence  that  no 


437 


one  should  be  placed  twice  in  jeopardy  either  for 
his  natural,  civil,  or  Masonic  life. 

Vol.  XVI,  p.  229. 

Sec.  551.  When  the  sentence  is  reprimanded  it 
shall  not  be  carried  into  effect,  in  case  of  appeal, 
until  after  a  decision  by  the  Grand  Lodge  affirming 
the  judgment  of  the  subordinate  Lodge. 

Vol.  XVI,  p.  265. 

Sec.  552.  The  usual  manner  of  voting  is  viva  voce 
or  by  show  of  hands,  but  it  is  competent  for  a 
Lodge  to  determine  for  itself  that  the  vote  upon 
any  particular  matter  be  taken  by  ballot,  in  the 
absence  of  any  law  forbidding  it. 

Vol.  XVI,  p.  276. 

Sec.  553.  For  method  of  procedure  in  the  con- 
solidation of  lodges,  see  Vol.  XVI,  p.  277. 

Sec.  554.  If  a  Mason  found  guilty  of  unmasonic 
conduct  and  sentenced  by  the  Trial-Commission  to 
be  reprimanded,  appeals  to  the  Grand  Lodge  from 
the  judgment,  the  sentence  should  not  be  carried 
into  execution  until  the  appeal  has  been  heard  and 
determined.  Vol.  XVI,  p.   279,  note. 

Sec.  555.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  no  authority 
to  open  his  Lodge  at  any  other  than  its  appointed 
place,  even  for  the  purpose  of  conducting  a  funeral. 
He  should  open  his  Lodge  in  its  Lodge-room,  and 
proceed  thence  to  the  place  where  the  funeral  ser- 
vice is  to  be  performed.        Vol.  XVI,  pp.  564,  736. 

Sec.  556.  When  a  Commission  consists  of  seven 
members,  five  or  even  four,  may  try  the  case,  but  a 
majority  of  the  whole  number  elected  must  concur 
in  the  judgment;  a  majority  of  those  present  is  not 
sufficient.  For  the  further  prosecution  of  the 
charges   new   Commissioners   must   be    elected.     No 


438 


person  who  acted  as  a  Commissioner  on  the  first,  is 
competent  to  sit  as  a  Commissioner  on  the  second 
trial.  Vol.  XVI,  pp.  565,  736. 

Sec.  557.  A  Mason  who  retains  his  membership  in 
another  State,  but  who  is  a  permanent  resident  of 
this  State,  should  be  buried  by  the  Lodge  in  whose 
jurisdiction  he  resides,  without  reference  to  whether 
the  expenses  of  the  burial  will  be  repaid  or  not. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  565,  736. 

Sec.  558.  The  Master  may,  in  the  proper  exercise 
of  his  discretion,  exclude  from  a  meeting  of  his 
Lodge  one  of  its  members  who  presents  himself  for 
admission  in  a  state  of  intoxication. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  565,  737. 

Sec.  559.  When  the  Grand  Lodge  has  reversed  a 
judgment  of  one  of  its  subordinates  and  ordered  a 
new  trial,  a  new  trial  must  be  had,  and  the  Lodge 
has  no  power  to  dismiss  the  charges  or  to  take  any 
action  in  the  matter  except  to  elect  a  new  Com- 
mission.    (See  Kegulation  No.  40.) 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  565,  737. 

Sec.  560.  The  Grand  Master  has  no  authority  to 
authorize  a  Lodge  to  confer  the  three  degrees  upon 
the  same  candidate  in  one  evening. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  565,  737. 

Sec.  561.  A  Lodge  in  California  has  no  authority 
to  receive  a  petition  for  affiliation  from  a  Mason 
residing  in  another  Grand  Jurisdiction. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  565,  737. 

Sec.  562.  When  a  Lodge  has  heard  objections 
made  to  the  advancement  of  a  candidate,  and  has 
determined  by  a  proper  vote  that  the  cause  is  not 
a  valid  and  Masonic  one,  the  Master  should  not 
allow  the  same  objection  to  be  made  a  second  time. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  565,  737. 


439 


Sec.  563.  An  Entered  Apprentice  cannot  receive 
Masonic  burial.  Vol.  XVI,  pp.  565,  738. 

Sec.  564.  The  Master  has  authority,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  accuser,  to  dismiss  charges  that  do  not 
involve  gross  immorality  or  criminal  conduct,  and 
ought  in  all  cases  to  dismiss  or  refuse  to  entertain 
charges  that  are  in  his  judgment  frivolous. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  566,  738. 

Sec.  565.  When,  upon  a  motion  to  grant  a  recom- 
mendatory certificate  to  a  withdrawing  member, 
three  voted  in  favor  of  the  motion  and  one  against, 
the  Master  had  the  right  to  presume  that  all  those 
who  did  not  vote  assented  to  the  motion,  and  had 
the  authority  to  declare  the  motion  carried;  and 
when  the  motion  had  been  so  declared,  it  was  the' 
duty  of  the  Secretary  to  enter  it  upon  his  record 
and  to  issue  the  recommendatory  certificate. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  566,  738. 

Sec.  566.  All  who  neglect  to  vote  upon  any  prop- 
osition before  the  Lodge  must  be  presumed  to  assent 
to  whatever  disposition  may  be  made  of  it  by  those 
who  do  vote,  and  the  Master  may  rightfully  declare 
the  result .  as  the  majority  of  those  voting  shall  be 
for  or  against  the  proposition;  the  Secretary  must 
record  the  result  so  declared  as  the  action  of  the 
Lodge.  Vol.  XVI,  pp.  566,  738. 

Sec.  567.  It  is  greatly  to  be  desired  that  all  the 
members  of  a  Lodge  should  maintain  the  most 
friendly  relations  one  with  another,  but.  it  is  not 
necessarily  a  grave  offense  if  some  one  gets  offended 
with  another  and  for  a  time  refuses  to  speak  to  him 
or  even  stays  away  from  Lodge  meetings  because 
of  his  presence.  Friendly  admonition  is  the  dis- 
cipline best  suited  to  such  cases. 

Vol.  XVI,  pp.  566,  738. 


440 


Sec.  568.  A  Lodge  which  rejects  the  petition  of 
an  applicant  for  the  second  and  third  degrees,  must 
pay  over  to  him  the  fees  which  it  received  with  the 
petition.  Vol.  XVI,  pp.  566,  738. 

Sec.  569.  The  word  ' '  State ' '  should  be  considered 
to  mean  '  '  Jurisdiction. '  >        Vol.  XVI,  pp.  566,  739. 

Sec.  570.  A  Lodge  formed  by  the  consolidation  of 
two  or  more  Lodges  is  responsible  for  the  debts  of 
each  of  its  constituents.         Vol.  XVI,  pp.  566,  739. 

Sec.  571.  If,  after  initiation  and  before  passing, 
or  after  passing  and  before  raising,  the  candidate 
meet  with  such  misfortunes  as  precludes  the  possi- 
bility of  a  literal  compliance  with  our  requirements, 
such  fact  alone  will  not  preclude  his  further  ad- 
vancement. Vol.  XVI,  p.  724. 

Sec.  572.  The  Grand  Lodge  was  not  instituted  for 
the  purpose  of  affording  a  channel  through  which 
transactions  of  every-day  life  in  trade  and  com- 
merce should  be  adjudicated — there  being  plentiful 
redress  for  such  grievances,  if  any  there  be,  in  the 
Courts  of  the  country.  Vol.  XVI,  p.  732. 

Sec.  573.  A  petition  for  affiliation  cannot  be  re- 
ceived unless  accompanied  by  a  proper  dimit  from 
the  Lodge  of  which  the  applicant  was  last  a  mem- 
ber, or  a  satisfactory  explanation  in  writing  of  the 
inability  to  furnish  such  dimit.  If  a  Lodge  does 
receive  such  a  petition,  and  the  applicant  is  elected, 
such  election  should  be  void.  (But  see  Const.,  Sec. 
8,  Art.  I,  Part  V.)  Vol.  XVI,  p.  735. 

Sec.  574.  By  an  Amendment  to  the  Constitution 
adopted  Oct.  17th,  1884,  the  Grand  Master,  upon 
request  of  a  Master  to  whom  charges  of  unmasonic 
conduct  against  a  Mason  have  been  presented,  may 
transfer   the   trial   of  the   accused  from   the  Lodge- 


441 


having  jurisdiction  by  reason  of  his  residence  or 
membership,  to  some  other  Lodge  to  be  named  in 
his  order  of  transfer,  whenever,  for  the  convenience 
of  witnesses  or  other  good  cause  such  transfer  is,  in 
his  judgment,  necessary  or  expedient.  (See  Const., 
Sec.  1,  Art.  I,  Part  II,  paragraph  9.) 

Vol.  XVI,  p.  940. 

Sec.  575.  In  order  to  give  a  Lodge  jurisdiction  of 
a  Masonic  offense,  it  is  required,  as  primary  steps, 
that  the  charge  should  be  preferred,  that  the  Master 
should  pass  upon  its  sufficiency,  and  that  he  then 
should  call  a  special  meeting  to  elect  Commissioners, 
of  which  the  brethren  should  have  due  notice.  Upon 
the  Lodge  convening  in  special  meeting,  it  designates 
the  number  of  Commissioners,  tellers  arc  appointed, 
the  Lodge  elects  by  ballot,  the  Master  delivers  the 
charge  to  the  Secretary,  and  directs  him  to  prepare 
a  copy  for  service  on  the  accused,  with  a  summons 
for  him  to  attend,  and  also  notifications  to  the  Com- 
missioners of  their  election,  and  to  them  and  the 
accuser  of  the  time  and  place  of  the  first  meeting  of 
the  Commission.  When  this  is  done,  and  not  until 
it  is  done,  does  the  Lodge  acquire  jurisdiction  of  the 
offense.  These  matters  are  not  waived  by  an  ap- 
pearance, neither  will  consent  or  appearance  confer 
jurisdiction.  They  are  Constitutional  requirements 
and  must  be  complied  with.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  198. 

Sec.  576.  In  the  case  of  charges  against  a  brother 
whose  residence  was  unknown,  the  record  should 
show  that  a  summons  to  the  accused  had  been 
issued,  the  return  that  he  could  not  be  found,  and 
the  mailing  of  the  summons  addressed  to  his  last 
place  of  residence;  otherwise  the  Master  and  Com- 
mission would  have  no  proper  ground  for  proceed- 
ing ex  parte.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  199. 


442 


Sec.  577.  The  record,  as  shown  by  the  transcript, 
must  state  the  facts  that  the  Commissioners  were 
elected  by  ballot;  that  the  accused  was  notified  by 
summons,  or  otherwise,  of  the  time  and  place  of  the 
meeting  of  the  Commission;  and  that  a  copy  of  the 
charges  had  been  served  upon  him. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  200. 

Sec.  578.  The  Commissioners  must  find  the  ac- 
cused "guilty"  or  "not  guilty"  upon  each  specifi- 
cation, and  also  upon  the  charge.  A  finding  upon 
the  charge,  separate  and  distinct  from  the  specifica- 
tions, is  as  necessary  as  a  finding  upon  the  specifi- 
cations; for,  while  the  accused  might  be  guilty  of 
the  facts  set  forth  in  the  latter,  it  does  not  follow 
that  they  constitute  a  Masonic  offense,  and  that  he 
would  be  guilty  of  unmasonic  conduct. 

Vol.  XVII,  pp.  200,  201,  202. 

Sec.  579.  A  deposition  taken  without  notice  to, 
and  in  the  absence  of  the  accused,  constitutes  no 
part  of  the  record  of  a  trial,  and,  therefore,  is  not 
entitled  to  any  consideration.        Vol.  XVII,  p.  200. 

Sec.  580.  The  objection  to  the  Master  presiding 
on  the  ground  that  he  was  a  witness,  was  untenable. 
Because  of  that  fact  he  was  not  disqualified,  and  it 
was  not  shown  that  he  was  personally  interested 
by  being  a  witness  or  otherwise.     (See  Sec.  744.) 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  203. 

Sec.  581.  The  members  of  a  Commission  who  par- 
ticipate in  the  entire  proceedings  are  alone  qualified 
and  entitled  to   participate  in  its  findings. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  203. 

Sec.    582.      Unless    a    Commission    shows    by    the 
records  that  the  findings  are  upon  both  the  specifi- 
cations and  the  charge,  it  fails  to  find  the  accused 
guilty  of  any  offense  to  which  a  penalty  can  attach. 
Vol.  XVII,  pp.  203,  205,  209,  229. 


DECISIONS  443 

Sec.  583.  Disobedience  to  the  Master's  gavel  is 
an  offense  considered  one  of  the  gravest  in  the  Ma- 
sonic Code,  and  one  which  renders  the  offender 
amendable  to  the  severest  penalty  known  to  our 
laws.     (See  Sec.  450.)  Vol.  XVII,  p.  204. 

Sec.  584.  The  matter  of  when  a  notice  of  appeal 
is  given  is  a  very  necessary  item  in  getting  an  ap- 
peal before  the  Grand  Lodge  for  its  consideration. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  205. 

Sec.  585.  At  the  time  appointed  by  the  Master 
the  Commissioners  failed  to  meet,  but  it  did  meet  on 
a  subsequent  day.  Having  failed  to  meet  on  the  day 
designated  by  the  Master,  it  was,  ipso  facto,  dis- 
solved. This  is  the  rule  when  a  Commission  fails  to 
meet  pursuant  to  adjournment  and  no  further  time 
is  granted  by  the  Master.  For  a  more  cogent  reason 
would  it  be  the  rule  when  the  Commission  did  not 
meet  at  all.  Under  this  rule  the  Commission  lapsed, 
became  functus  officio,  and  any  action  which  it  did 
take  was  extra-judicial,  a  usurpation  of  power  and 
authority,  and  void.  It  will  not  avail  to  claim  that 
the  accused,  by  being  present,  waived  this.  The 
accused  by  his  presence,  or  by  his  consent,  cannot 
create  this  body.  It  can  only  be  brought  into  ex- 
istence by  the  mode  prescribed  by  the  Constitution 
through  the  action  of  the  Lodge.-  It  having  ceased 
to  exist,  no  consent  of  the  accused,  or  act  of  the 
Master  or  Commission,  could  revivify  and  restore  it, 
any  more  than  they  could  create  it  in  the  first  in- 
stance. Vol.  XVII,  p.  205. 

Sec.  586.  It  would  be  no  excuse  for  the  failure  of 
a  Commission  to  meet  at  the  time  designated  by  the 
Master,  that  the  accused  could  not  be  served  with 
the  summons,  he  being  absent  from  the  State.     In 


444 


any  event,  and  under  any  circumstances,  the  Com- 
mission should  meet  at  the  time  designated,  and,  if 
not  ready  to  proceed,  should  adjourn  in  the  manner 
provided  by  the  law,  and  thus  perpetuate  itself. 
Failing  to  do  so,  any  act  which  it  performs  is  void. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  205. 
Sec.  587.      The    Constitution    provides    that    the 
record  and  findings  shall  be  signed  by  the  Commis- 
sioners— all  of  them — and  not  by  a  portion  only. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  205. 
Sec.  588.  Specifications  must  not  be  general,  but, 
as  the  word  implies,  specific.  The  facts  should  be 
stated  with  sufficient  particularity  as  to  give  the 
accused  information  of  the  matter  with  which  he 
stands  charged.  Unless  they  do  this  they  are  not 
tenable.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  210. 

Sec.  589.  At  the  special  meeting  for  the  election 
of  Commissioners,  and  before  the  Commissioners 
were  elected,  it  was  an  irregularity  and  highly  im- 
proper to  announce  the  name  of  the  brother  against 
whom  charges  had  been  preferred. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  227. 

Sec.  590.  A  Secretary  who  was  present  only  a 
part  of  the  time  of  the  trial,  is  incapacitated  and 
unable  to  certify  to  the  correctness  of  the  record. 

.     Vol.  XVII,  p.  228. 

Sec.  591.  Without  a  finding  upon  the  charge, 
there  is  nothing  upon  which  a  Commission  can 
attach  a  penalty;  and  without  such  finding  a  Com- 
mission which  assesses  a  punishment  does  so  with- 
out having  found  the  accused  guilty  of  any  offense, 
for  the  offense  is  the  accusation  that  the  accused  has 
been  guilty  of  "unmasonic  conduct. " 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  228. 


445 


Sec.  592.  The  Master  cannot  transfer  his  duties 
to  either  of  the  Wardens  when  he  is  present.  The 
Constitution  makes  the  provision  that,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  the  Master,  the  Wardens,  in  their  order, 
shall  succeed  to  his  powers  and  duties. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  247. 

Sec.  593.  Without  the  Master's  endorsed  approval 
thereon,  no  record  should  be  received  or  counten- 
anced by  the  Grand  Lodge,  whether  on  appeal  or 
otherwise.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  228. 

Sec.  594.  The  Master  being  present,  neither  the 
Senior  nor  the  Junior  Warden  can  be  invested  with 
authority  to  receive  or  pass  upon  the  sufficiency  of 
charges  preferred  against  a  member  of  the  Lodge, 
or  to  call  a  special  meeting  of  the  Lodge  for  the 
election  of  Commissioners,  or  for  any  other  purpose. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  247. 

Sec.  595.  The  Master  being  present,  neither  of 
the  Wardens  can  be  invested  with  authority  to  pre- 
side at  a  trial.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  247. 

Sec.  596.  When  a  Master  prefers  charges  against 
a  member  of  his  own  Lodge,  the  trial  cannot  be  had 
in  that  Lodge.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  247. 

Sec.  597.  When  the  Master  of  a  Lodge  desires  to 
prefer  charges  against  a  member  of  his  own  Lodge, 
the  charges  must  be  presented  to  the  Grand  Master; 
and,  if  he  finds  them  sufficient,  he  will  designate  the 
Lodge  in  which  the  case  shall  be  tried,  and  will 
transmit  the  charges  to  the  Master  of  that  Lodge, 
with  directions  to  proceed  to  elect  Commissioners 
for  the  determination  thereof,  in  accordance  with 
the  regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  247. 


446 


Sec.  598.  When  one  Lodge  surrenders  jurisdiction 
over  a  petitioner  residing  within  its  territorial  limits 
to  another  Lodge,  and  the  petitioner  is  therein  re- 
jected, the  Lodge  which  surrendered  jurisdiction 
cannot  receive  his  petition  and  ballot  upon  it  before 
the  expiration  of  twelve  months. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  248. 

Sec.  599.  Masonic  residence  within  the  meaning 
of  Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution,  is 
the  domicile — home — place  where  the  party  resides 
with  the  intention  of  remaining  permanently,  or  for 
an  indefinite  time,  and  which  he  leaves  on  business 
or  pleasure  with  the  purpose  of  returning. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  248. 

Sec.  600.  When  the  Secretary  of  a  Lodge  neglects 
his  duties  and  fails  to  account  for  and  pay  over 
moneys  collected  by  him,  the  Master  may  and  ought 
to  suspend  him  from  office,  and  cause  charges  to  be 
preferred  against  him.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  248. 

Sec.  601.  A  dimit  presented  by  an  applicant  for 
affiliation  must  be  a  proper  dimit  in  the  jurisdiction 
from  which  it  emanates— that  is,  it  must  be  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  regulations  of  that  jurisdiction. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  248. 

Sec.  602.  A  Lodge  cannot  surrender  jurisdiction 
and  grant  a  rejected  candidate  permission  to  apply 
for  the  degrees  in  another  Lodge  until  after  the 
lapse  of  twelve  months.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  248. 

Sec.  603.  The  Grand  Master  has  no  authority  to 
grant  permission  for  a  Lodge  to  appear  in  Masonic 
clothing  for  a  Fourth  of  July  parade,  or  upon  any 
other  occasion  not  Masonic  in  its  character. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  248. 

Sec.  604.  A  certificate  of  qualification  from  an  In- 
spector is  not  a  necessary  prerequisite  to  the  instal- 


447 


lation  of  the  officers  of  a  new  chartered  Lodge,  as, 
under  the  Constitution,  no  charter  can  issue  from 
the  Grand  Lodge  unless  it  be  certified  that  the 
Master  and  Wardens  named  therein  are  thoroughly 
skilled  in  the  work  and  lectures. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  248. 
Sec.  605.  The  inhibition  contained  in  Sec.  2,  Art. 
Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution,  is  explicit,  and 
one  Lodge  cannot  surrender  jurisdiction  over  a  per- 
son not  a  Mason,  who  resides  within  the  territory 
over  which  its  jurisdiction  is  exclusive.  We  find 
nothing  in  the  Constitution  which  authorizes  a 
Lodge  to  take  any  action  in  respect  to  a  person,  not 
a  Mason,  resident  within  its  territory,  until  he  has 
made  application  to  it  for  the  degrees.  Upon  the 
presentation  of  such  an  application,  its  jurisdiction 
over  the  person  is  called  into  exercise.  It  can  then 
elect  or  reject  him;  and  having  elected  and  con- 
ferred the  first  degree  upon  him,  it  can  surrender 
its  jurisdiction  over  him  to  another  Lodge  at  his 
request.  (This  section  is  nullified  by  Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill, 
Part  III,  of  the  Constitution;  see  also  Sec.  792.) 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  249. 
Sec.  606.  No  Lodge  in  this  State  can  lawfully 
receive  and  act  upon  the  petition  for  degrees  of  any 
person,  other  than  one  belonging  to  the  army  or 
navy,  before  he  has  resided  for  six  months  within 
the  territory  over  which  it  has  jurisdiction,  exclu- 
sive or  concurrent,  and  in  the  State  twelve  months. 
(See  Eegulations  Nos.  57  and  59.) 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  249. 
Sec.  607.    Lodge  funds  are  sacred  to  purposes  of 
charity,  and  should  not  be  misused  by  being  appro- 
priated for  light  or  trivial  purposes. 

Vol.  XVII,  p.  249. 


448 


Sec.  608.  The  discretionary  power,  involving  the 
right  to  bury  a  Mason  who  has  been  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues  only,  and  against  whom  no 
other  Masonic  offense  has  been  established,  must  be 
exercised  by  the  Lodge,  and  not  by  the  Master  and 
Wardens.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  250. 

Sec.  609.  It  has  been  decided  that  a  prayer  for 
restoration  of  an  expelled  or  suspended  Mason,  who 
has  removed  from  our  jurisdiction,  should  not  be 
granted  unless  he  produce  satisfactory  evidence,  by 
or  through  the  Lodge,  or  its  members,  within  whose 
jurisdiction  he  at  the  time  resides,  that  he  is  worthy 
and  that  his  standing  and  character  is  such  as  would 
entitle  him  to  affiliate  with  the  local  Lodge  should 
he  be  restored.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  644. 

Sec.  610.  An  appeal  may  be  taken  by  either  party, 
upon  notice  of  the  intention  to  appeal  being  given 
to  the  Master,  in  writing,  within  thirty  days  after 
the  Master  shall  have  announced  the  result  of  the 
trial  in  his  Lodge.  The  accused,  if  he  desires  to 
appeal,  has,  therefore,  thirty  days  after  the  result 
of  the  trial  was  anounced  by  the  Master  in  which  to 
give  notice  thereof.  Until  such  announcement  is 
made,  and  the  judgment  is  recorded  by  the  Lodge, 
the  accused  is  not  obliged  to  take  any  steps  in  the 
review  of  the  action  of  the  Commissioners  by  this 
Grand  Lodge.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  653. 

Sec.  611.  Inability  on  the  part  of  Lodges,  when 
shown  to  exist,  is  a  sufficient  answer  to  any  demand 
of  the  Board  of  Eelief  to  re-pay  any  moneys  ad- 
vanced by  said  Board  for  the  relief  of  the  widows 
of  deceased  Masons  belonging  to  those  Lodges;  but 
when  a  Lodge  requests  another  Lodge  or  a  Board  of 
Relief  to  advance  money  for  its  benefit,  and  after 


449 


such  advances  arc  made,  not  only  refuses  re-pay- 
ment, but  coolly  repudiates  its  liability  and  actually 
reduces  its  monthly  dues  so  as  to  deprive  itself  of 
the  means  of  paying,  there  can  be  no  ground  upon 
which  its  conduct  can  be  justified.  The  Lodge 
should  be  required  to  pay  the  same,  and  Art.  Ill, 
Part  III,  provides  a  method  of  procedure  against  a 
Lodge  in  such  a  case.  Vol.  XVII,  p.  681. 

Sec.  612.  When  a  petition  for  the  degrees  of  Ma- 
sonry is  received  and  referred  to  a  Committee  of 
Investigation  within  a  year  after  the  rejection  of 
the  applicant  by  another  Lodge,  the  committee 
should  find  the  applicant  ineligible  on  account 
of  insufficient  lapse  of  time  since  his  rejection;  and 
the  petition,  by  order  of  the  Master  should  be 
withdrawn.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  21. 

Sec.  613.  When  a  case  has  been  remanded  to  a 
subordinate  Lodge  for  re-trial,  a  demurrer  to  the 
charges  cannot  be  sustained,  because  the  action  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  in  remanding  the  case  established 
the  sufficiency  of  the  charges. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  21. 

Sec.  614.  A  brother  applied  for  affiliation,  but 
died  in  a  few  days  after  his  application  had  been 
received  by  the  Lodge.  Should  he  receive  Maspnic 
burial?  Yes.  (See  Regulation  No.  44,  and  Sec. 
526.)  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  21. 

Sec.  615.  The  Secretary  of  a  Lodge  paid  a  private 
debt  to  a  member  by  giving  a  receipt  for  dues  and 
crediting  the  brother  on  the  books  of  the  Lodge,  but 
no  money  was  paid  into  the  treasury.  Such  private 
arrangement  releases  the  brother  from  paying  his 
dues,  because  the  Lodge  is  bound  by  the  action  of 
its  officers.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  21. 


450  DECISIONS 

Sec.  616.  In  the  absence  of  the  Master  of  a  Lodge 
the  Senior  Warden  has  the  right  to  call  a  Past  Mas- 
ter to  preside;  and  in  the  absence  of  the  Master  and 
the  Senior  Warden,  the  Junior  Warden  may  call  a 
Past  Master  to  preside;  but  said  Warden  must 
remain  in  the  Lodge  during  the  evening. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  21. 

Sec.  617.  A  brother  so  prejudiced  that  he  cannot 
determine  the  case  upon  the  evidence,  is  certainly 
disqualified,  3,nd  should  be  excused. 

A  brother  prepossessed  in  favor  of  either  the  ac- 
cuser or  the  accused,  to  such  an  extent  as  to  war- 
rant the  apprehension  of  partiality,  should  not  be 
retained  on  the  Commission. 

If  a  brother  have  an  interest  in  the  trial  other 
than  a  due  regard  for  the  welfare  of  the  Craft,  he 
should  be  considered  ineligible. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  21. 

Sec.  618.  If  a  suspended  Mason  on  his  death-bed 
pay  his  dues,  and  thereby  reinstates  himself,  would 
the  charges  against  him  excuse  the  Lodge  from 
burying  him  with  Masonic  honors  should  he  die 
before  the  case  be  brought  to  trial?     No. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  21. 

Sec.  619.  The  preferring  of  charges  against  a 
member  of  a  Lodge  does  not  deprive  him  of  any 
of  the  rights  and  privileges  until  said  charges  are 
proven.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  21. 

Sec.  620.  In  case  of  the  death  of  a  brother  sus- 
pended for  non-payment  of  dues,  nothing  else  ap- 
pearing against  him,  the  Master  should,  at  the  re- 
quest of  any  number  of  brethren,  call  the  Lodge 
together  for  the  purpose  of  determining  whether  or 
not  he  should  be  buried  with  Masonic  honors;  and 
he  should  do  so  without  such  request  if  he  believes 


451 


that  there  would  be  a  general  disposition  to  pay  the 
last  tribute  of  respect  to  the  deceased. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  22. 

Sec.  621.  It  is  not  lawful  to  Use  the  funds  of  a 
Lodge  to  pay  the  funeral  expenses  of  a  Mason  who 
has  been  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  22. 

Sec.  622.  It  is  not  lawful  to  use  the  funds  of  a 
Lodge  for  charity  outside  of  the  Fraternity,  because 
that  charity  which  extends  to  all  mankind  is  indi- 
vidual. Vol.  XVIII,  p.  22. 

Sec.  623.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  should  not 
divulge  to  other  members  the  name  of  a  brother  who 
makes  objection  to  the  admission  of  a  visitor. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  22. 

Sec.  624.  It  is  sufficient  to  notify  a  visitor  priv- 
atelv  against  whose  visiting  a  brother  objects. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  22. 

Sec.  625.  The  objection  to  a  visiting  brother  is  a 
private  mater  upon  which  the  Master  should  exer- 
cise his  discretion,  having  in  view  the  peace  and 
harmony  of  the  Lodge.  His  decision,  when  given, 
is  final,  and  he  should  not  give  to  the  visitor  the 
name  of  the  brother  objecting. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  22. 

Sec.  626.  It  is  the  duty  of  a  Mason  to  be  honest 
in  every  station  in  life,  and  he  canot  justify  a 
crime  in  himself  because  it  was  not  committed  in 
our  Order.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  175. 

Sec.  627.  It  is  not  the  province  of  the  tribunals 
of  Masonry  to  adjust  mere  legal  rights,  whether 
pecuniary  or  otherwise,  as  the  courts  of  law  afford 
all  the  necessary  facilities  for  the  adjustment  of 
such   questions.  Vol.  XVTTI,  p.  17fi. 


45^  DECISIONS 

Sec.  628.  Section  6,  of  Art.  Ill,  Part  III;  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  gives  to  every 
member  the  right  to  object  to  the  advancement  of 
a  candidate;  but  while  such  is  the  language  of  the 
section  named,  the  party  can  only  avail  himself  of 
this  privilege  when  he  has  presumptive  evidence  of 
the  unworthiness  of  the  candidate,  and  where  such 
evidence  has  come  to  his  knowledge  after  the  candi- 
date's initiation.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  177. 

Sec.  629.  The  fact  that  there  were  no  cubes 
(black-balls)  in  the  ballot-box  when  the  candidate 
was  elected,  does  not  justify  the  brother  in  object- 
ing to  the  advancement  of  a  worthy  brother,  be- 
cause that  brother  was  himself  innocent  of  wrong 
and  should  not  be  made  to  suffer  for  wrongs  com- 
mitted by   others.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  177. 

Sec.  630.  When  a  brother  seeks  to  gratify  his 
personal  feelings  of  enmity  towards  the  Lodge  or 
its  officers,  by  assailing  the  character  of  a  candi- 
date to  him  totally  unknown,  he  proves  himself  un- 
worthy of  being  or  remaining  a  member  of  the 
Masonic  Fraternity,  and  the  sooner  the  Lodge  de- 
prives such  brother  of  the  power  to  do  harm  the 
better  it  will  be  for  the  Craft. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  177. 

Sec.  631.  The  crime  ot  rape  is  one  of  the  greatest 
of  which  a  Mason  can  be  guilty,  and,  when  proven^ 
should  subject  the  offender  to  the  extreme  penalty, 
of  the  law.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  187. 

Sec.  632.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  may  refuse  to 
entertain  charges  against  a  brother  when  such 
charges  relate  to  a  purely  business  transaction. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  187. 


453 


Sec.  633.  Becords  of  a  Lodge  should  show  that 
bills  have  been  referred  to  the  Auditing  Committee; 
and  payments  made  by  Treasurer  should  be  ordered 
by   the   Lodge.  -   Vol.  XVIII,  p.  189. 

Sec.  634.  The  payment  of  moneys  from  the  Lodge 
funds  for  banquets  are  violations  of  the  By-Laws 
and  of  the  laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  are,  in  the 
case  of  Lodges  under  dispensation,  quite  sufficient 
to  warrant  the  denial  of  a  charter.  (But  see  Regu- 
lation  No.  57.)  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  189. 

Sec.  635.  The  writing  and  publishing  a  defama- 
tory letter  is  a  sufficient  offense  to  warrant  more 
than  simple  reprimand.     (Reconsidered,  p.  195). 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  192. 

Sec.  636.  A  Lodge  cannot  avoid  the  payment  of 
its  debts  by  consolidation  any  more  than  by  direct 
refusal.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  193. 

Sec.  637.  The  inability  to  pay  a  just  debt,  how- 
ever annoying  it  may  be  to  the  creditor,  is  not  a 
Masonic  offense;  and  when  no  moral  turpitude  is 
involved,  it  should  never  be  made  the  basis  of  a 
charge  of  unmasonic  conduct. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  194. 
Sec.  638.     Habitual  intemperance  and  the  intem- 
perate use  of  intoxicating  liquors  are  grave  offenses, 
sufficient  to  warrant  expulsion. 

XVIII,  p.  195. 

Sec.  639.     Slander  and  the  use  of  vile  language  is 

a  Masonic  offense  sufficient  to  warrant  suspension. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  204;  see  also  p.  206.  \ 

Sec.   640.     Frequenting   a   house   of   ill-fame  and 

notoriously  consorting  with  an  inmate  thereof,  are 

sufficient  offenses  to  warrant  expulsion. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  205. 


454 


Sec.  641.  Lodge  funds  should  not  be  used  for 
banqueting  purposes.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  210. 

Sec.  642.  When  a  Lodge  has  exhausted  its  power 
for  good  and  there  is  no  hope  of  restoring  harmony, 
the  good  of  Masonry  demands  that  it  cease  to  exist. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  211. 

Sec.  643.  The  revocation  of  a  charter  is  an  act 
which  can  only  be  exercised  by  the  sovereign  power, 
the  Grand  Lodge.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  212. 

Sec.  644.  Eesolved,  That  hereafter,  the  Inspector 
of  each  Masonic  district  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  be 
required  to  examine  each  and  every  Master-elect  in 
his  district  as  to  his  knowledge  of  such  portions 
of  the  Constitution  and  General  Eegulations  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  as  relate  to  the  government  of  a 
Lodge,  as  well  as  in  regard  to  his  proficiency  in  the 
work  and  lectures;  that  each  certificate  of  qualifica- 
tion issued  by  such  Inspector  shall  declare  that, 
after  strict  examination,  he  has  found  the  Master- 
elect  named  therein  to  be  well  qualified  in  both  the 
respects  above  named;  and  that  no  Master-elect 
shall  be  installed  until  he  shall  have  produced  such 
a  certificate  to  the  installing  officer.  (See  Eegula- 
tion  No.  56.)  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  214. 

Sec.  645.  When  the  Grand  Lodge  has  expelled  a 
Mason  who  was  at  the  time  a  life-member  of  a 
Lodge,  and  such  party  should  subsequently  be  re- 
stored, and  again  elected  to  membership  in  the 
Lodge  with  which  he  held  the  contract  of  life-mem- 
bership, he  should  be  deemed  to  be  restored  to  all 
the  rights  pertaining  to  his  life-membership,  as  well 
as  to  others.  His  contract  was  in  that  Lodge,  he 
should  be  forever  exempt  from  the  payment  of  dues, 
and  common  justice  would  require  the  observance  of 


DECISIONS  455 

that  contract  on  the  part  of  the  Lodge.  If  such 
party,  subsequent  to  his  restoration,  should  become 
a  member  of  a  Lodge  other  than  the  one  from  which 
he  had  been  expelled,  he  would  be  subject  to  the 
payment  of  dues.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  674. 

Sec.  646.  Members  specially  exempted  from  the 
suspension  involved  in  the  order  of  arrest  of  the 
charter  of  a  Lodge,  should  pay  dues  during  the 
period  of  arrest — to  the  Lodge  if  the  charter  be  re- 
stored, and  to  the  Grand  Lodge  if  it  be  revoked  and 
the  Lodge  be  declared  extinct.  Either  the  Lodge  or 
the  Grand  Lodge  could  remit  such  dues,  but  unless 
remitted  they  should  be  paid.  In  case  the  charter 
be  revoked,  they  should  pay  dues  up  to  the  date  of 
issuing  the   certificate  by  the   Grand   Secretary. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  674. 

Sec.  647.  At  the  date  of  the  declaration  by  the 
Grand  Lodge  that  a  Lodge  has  become  extinct, 
whether  by  revocation  of  its  charter  or  by  the  ac- 
ceptance of  the  surrender  thereof,  all  its  members 
theretofore  in  good  standing,  become  non-affiliated 
Masons,  and,  as  such,  are  to  be  deemed  subject  to 
the  provisions  of  Sec.  1,  Art.  II,  Part  V,  and  Sec. 
8,  Art.  V,  Part  VI,  of  our  Constitution. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  674. 

Sec.  648.  Regulation  No.  1,  relating  to  the  degree 
of  Past  Master,  has  never  been  rescinded,  and  is  still 
existing  law;  and  a  newly  elected  Master  of  a  Lodge 
is  required  to  receive  it  before  entering  upon  the 
discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  office  and  presiding 
in  his  Lodge.    (See  Regulation  No.  73.) 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  674. 

Sec.  649.  The  degrees  of  Masonry  should  not  be 
conferred  upon  a  person  subject  to  epileptic  fits. 
(See  Regulation  No.  11;  also  Sec.  916.) 

Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  454,  674. 


456 


Sec.  650.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge,  at  the  election 
for  officers  thereof,  is  not  entitled  to  a  casting  vote, 
in  addition  to  his  proper  vote,  in  case  of  a  tie  vote 
in  his  Lodge.  Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  454,  674. 

Sec.  651.  The  word  ballot  in  our  Constitution 
means  a  secret  vote  by  the  use  of  balls,  cubes^  or 
slips  of  paper.  Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  454,  674. 

Sec.  652.  No  Lodge  can  confer  the  degrees  of 
Masonry  gratuitously,  it  being  contrary  to  pur  Con- 
stitution.    (See  Sec.  919.) 

Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  454,  674. 

Sec.  653.  When  an  Entered  Apprentice  is  refused 
advancement,  he  is  entitled  to  a  return  of  that  por- 
tion of  the  fee  paid  by  him  which  is  charged  for  the 
two  remaining  degrees.       Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  454,  674. 

Sec.  654.     When  objection  is  made  to  the  admis- 
sion of  a  visitor,  the  Master  should  require  the  mem- 
ber objecting  to  state   to  him  the  reasons  for  the 
objection,  that  he  may  judge  of  their  sufficiency. 
Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  454,  674. 

Sec.  655.  A  non-affiliated  Mason  residing  in  this 
State,  cannot  keep  himself  in  good  standing  by  con- 
tributing to  a  Lodge  in  any  other  State. 

Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  454,  674. 

Sec.  656.  The  intent  of  a  party  is  always  an  im- 
portant factor  in  determining  his  residence;  his  acts 
and  declarations  may  show  his  intention. 

Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  460,  462,  676,  677. 

Sec.  657.  A  Committee  of  Investigation  are  guilty 
of  serious  neglect  of  duty  if  they  report  favorably 
upon  a  petition  without  reliable  information  as  to 
all  the  matters  upon  which  the  Lodge  requires  ad- 
vice. Vol.  XVIII,  p.  677. 


457 


Sec.  658.  No  Lodge  can  amend,  repeal,  or  nullify 
one  of  its  By-Laws  by  a  standing  resolution. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  677. 
Sec.  659.     (See  Sees.  928  and  944.) 

Sec.  660.  If  extraordinary  expense  is  at  any  time 
incurred,  it  should  be  met  by  an  increase  of  the  dues 
of  the  members  of  the  Lodge;  and  a  Life  member 
should  no  more  be  exempt  from  such  an  increase 
than  one  who  had  maintained  his  standing  by  the 
monthly  payment  of  his  dues. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  677. 

Sec.  661.  The  officers  of  a  Lodge  undertake,  when 
they  accept  office,  not  only  to  qualify  themselves  to 
perform  their  official  duties,  but  to  be  diligent  in 
performing  them;  and,  if  one  neglects  to  perform 
such  duties,  it  is  proper  that  the  Master  suspend 
him  from  his  office,  and  appoint  in  his  place  another 
who  is  not  only  competent,  but  willing  to  perform 
the  duties.  Your  committee  would  not  except  even 
the  Wardens  from  this  rule.  The  Master  is  not 
excepted,  for  he  must  qualify  himself  before  he  can 
be  installed;  and  if,  after  being  installed,  he  neg- 
lects to  perform  his  duties,  the  Grand  Master,  may, 
and  upon  well  verified  complaint  should,  suspend 
him  from  his  office.  The  sooner  incompetent  and  in- 
efficient officers  are  disposed  of,  the  better  for  the 
Lodge. 

Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  463,  678. 

Sec.  662.  Masonry  has  no  use  for  men  who  will 
hesitate  and  quibble  about  God,  or  belief  in  His 
omnipotence,  omniscience,  and  omnipresence. 

The  indispensable  qualification  of  a  candidate  for 
initiation  is  that  he  must  have  faith  in  God — not  a 
nameless  something,  but  the  true  God  of  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob.     No  man  who  does  not  believe  in 


458 


the  existence  of  God  and  the  immortality  of  the 
soul,  can  lawfully  be  made  a  Mason.  He  must  be- 
lieve, else  he  should  not  be  received.  If  he  honestly 
believes  he  will  not  hesitate  or  equivocate  in  the 
declaration  of  his  belief.  Whenever  he  hesitates  or 
equivocates  in  declaring  it,  it  must  be  assumed  that 
he  does  not  believe,  and  all  further  proceedings 
should  be  stopped. 

A  case  of  hesitancy  would  never  occur  if  the  Com- 
mittee of  Investigation  to  whom  the  petition  was 
referred  had  done  their  duty.  It  is  the  duty  of  a 
committee  to  know  that  the  petitioner  was  in  all 
respects  qualified;  and  if  found  in  this  respect  dis- 
qualified, his  petition  should  be  reported  upon  un- 
favorably. Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  464,  678. 

Sec.  663.  No  special  dispensation  is  necessary  to 
appear  in  Masonic  clothing  for  the  purpose  of  decor- 
ating the  graves  of  deceased  Masons.  The  authority 
for  so  doing  is  ample,  under  the  provisions  of  our 
Constitution.  The  custom  of  decorating  the  graves 
of  the  dead,  upon  some  day  to  be  selected  by  each 
Lodge  for  itself,  is  one  that  is  commendable. 

Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  464,  678 

Sec.  664.  It  is  in  exceedingly  bad  taste  for  a 
Lodge  to  rent  any  portion  of  the  building  in  which 
its  Lodge-room  is  situated,  for  saloon  purposes. 

Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  468,  679. 

Sec.  665.  An  accused  party  has  the  undoubted 
right  to  be  confronted  with  his  accusers,  and  should 
have  notice,  in  case  it  is  the  intention  of  his  ac- 
cusers to  take  affidavits  for  use  against  him,  to  be 
present  when  the  affidavits  are  made  and  sworn  to. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  654. 


459 


Sec.  666.  There  is  no  provision  in  the  Constitu- 
tion or  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  in  the 
ancient  landmarks  of  the  Order,  which  in  any  way 
limits  or  restricts  the  powers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  to 
appropriate  such  sums  as  it  may  deem  proper  for 
any  purpose  which  it  may  consider  worthy. 

Vol.  XVIII,  p.  681. 

Sec.  667.  Lodges  of  the  jurisdiction  are  not  per- 
mitted to  attend  funerals,  as  Lodges,  when  the  cere- 
monies are  conducted  by  a  Commandery  of  Knights 
Templar.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  681. 

Sec.  668.  The  rule  is  that  testimony  must  be 
taken  in  full  by  question  and  answer,  be  reduced  to 
writing,  and  be  signed  by  the  witness.  The  con- 
struction of  testimony  must  be  given  by  those  who 
shall  pass  upon  it,  and  not  by  those  who  are  merely 
to  commit  it  to  writing.  Vol.  XIX,  p.  169. 

Sec.  669.  Findings  must  be  rendered  separately 
and  distinctly  upon  the  charge  and  the  specifica- 
tions; and  the  record  must  bear  the  proper  attesta- 
tion of  the  Secretary  and  the  approval  of  the 
Master.  Vol.  XIX,  p.  171. 

Sec.  670.  The  record  of  the  proceedings  had  at 
a  trial  must  be  taken  and  made  up  in  the  pre- 
scribed manner,  and  they  must  be  kept  in  the  ar- 
chives of  the  Lodge  trying  the  case, — not  sent  to 
the  Grand  Lodge.  Immediately  after  the  trial,  the 
transcript  of  the  trial  record  must  be  sent  to  the 
Grand  Secretary.  A  transcript  means  a  copy — a 
full,  complete  and  correct  copy  of  all  the  proceed- 
ings had  in,  or  relative  to,  the  case. 

Vol.  XIX,  p.  173. 

Sec.  671.  A  notice  of  intended  application  for 
restoration  is   not  given  to   the  subordinate  Lodge 


4t50 


until  it  has  been  received  by  such  Lodge  at  a  stated 
meeting;  and  by  Sec.  5,  of  Art.  V,  of  Part  VI,  of 
the  Constitution,  the  notice  must  be  given  in  writ- 
ing,  at  least  forty  days  prior  to  the  commencement 
of  the  Annual  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Vol.  XIX,  p.  190. 

Sec.  672.  Every  one  who  accepts  the  office  of 
Master,  undertakes  that  he  will  perform  the  duties 
of  his  office  faithfully,  and  will  make  himself  fami- 
liar with  the  law  governing  their  performance,  at 
least  so  far  as  has  been  declared  by  our  own  Grand 
Lodge.  Ignorance  of  the  law  in  respect  to  the  num- 
ber of  members  requisite  to  constitute  a  Lodge  for 
the  transaction  of  business,  is  inexcusable. 

Vol.  XIX,  p.  194. 

Sec.  673.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  should  be  a 
gentleman,  and  should  at  all  times,  in  the  Lodge, 
if  not  elsewhere,  not  only  observe  towards  his  breth- 
ren the  amenities  and  proprieties  which  are  due 
from  one  gentleman  to  another,  but  should  require 
such  observance  from  them.  Whenever  any  one 
occupying  this  position,  by  base  conduct  or  obscene 
conversation,  dishonors  himself  and  his  office,  his 
attendance  and  his  services  can  well  be  dispensed 
with.  Vol.  XIX,  p.  194. 

Sec.  674.  The  Grand  Lodge  is  the  only  tribunal 
that  can  reverse  or  modify  the  decisions  of  the 
Grand  Master.  Vol.  XIX,  p.  195. 

Sec.  675.  Eesidence  and  citizenship  are  dependent 
upon  the  intention  of  the  party;  and  one  having  a 
residence  may  absent  himself  from  it  for  a  few 
months,  or  for  years,  and  retain  his  residence,  and 
be,  on  his  return,  immediately  entitled  to  all  the 
benefits  and  privileges  attaching  to  it,  provided  he 


461 


went  and  remained  away  with  the  intent  to  main- 
tain it.  His  own  statement  would  ordinarily  be  r<> 
eeived  as  sufficient  evidence  of  his  intent. 

Vol.  XIX,  p.  196. 
Sec.  676.  Causing  his  name  to  be  placed  on  the 
Great  Eegister  of  another  place,  or  exercising  his 
rights  as  a  legal  elector  of  another  place,  would 
be  conclusive  evidence  that  the  party  so  doing  had 
solemnly  declared  his  intent  to  become  a  resident 
of  such  place.  Vol.  XIX,  p.  196. 

Sec.  677.  The  executive  powers  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  include  ' '  the  exercise,  generally,  of  all  such 
authority  as  may  be  necessary  to  carry  its  own  legis- 
lation into  complete  effect."  (See  Sec.  3,  Art.  Ill, 
Part  I,  of  the  Constitution.)  The  Grand  Master  is 
given  authority  not  only  to  ll  exercise  a  general  and 
careful  supervision  over  the  Craft, i '  but  ' '  to  dis- 
charge all  the  necessary  executive  functions  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  when  that  body  is  not  in  session. " 
(See  Subdivisions  4th  and  5th  of  Sec.  2,  Art.  I, 
Part  II,  of  the  Constitution.)       Vol.  XIX,  p.  209. 

Sec.  678.  The  accuser  and  the  accused  have  a 
right  to  demand  that  the  Trial  Commission  shall  be 
composed  of  men  who  have  not  prejudged  the  case, 
and  who  will  try  it  fairly  and  honestly;  and  when- 
ever such  a  Commission  cannot  be  obtained  in  the 
Lodge  in  which  the  accusation  is  made,  the  Grand 
Lodge,  when  in  session,  and  the  Grand  Master  when 
it  is  not,  has  the  right,  and  will  ever  recognize  the 
duty,  to  transfer  the  case  for  trial  to  some  other 
Lodge,  where  even  justice  may  be  done. 

Vol.  XIX,  p.  209. 

Sec.  679.  Under  the  Constitution,  the  accused-has 
thirty  days  after,  the  announcement  of  the  result  of 
the  trial  within  which  to  give  notice  of  appeal;  and-' 


462 


the  Grand  Lodge  cannot  affirm  the  record  prior  to 
the  expiration  of  said  thirty  days,  and  prior  to  the 
giving  of  such  notice  of  appeal,  without  depriving 
the  brother  of  a  right  guaranteed  to  him  by  the 
Constitution.  Vol.  XIX,  p.  211. 

Sec.  680.  Authority  attaches  to  the  proceedings 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  the  moment  the  action  is  had 
in  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  printed  proceedings 
furnish  ample  authority  upon  which  subordinate 
Lodges    can   act.  Vol.  XIX,  p.  211. 

Sec.  681.  When  a  Trial-Commission  fails  to  ad- 
journ in  accordance  with  law,  it  so  far  fails  to  per- 
petuate itself,  and  thus  becomes  functus  officio,  and 
any  act  which  it  performs  is  void. 

Vol.  XIX,  p.  556. 

Sec.  682.  The  reading  of  the  summons  to  the 
accused  is  not  sufficient.  The  summons  must  be 
issued  in  duplicate,  one  to  be  served,  "the  other 
presented  to  the  Commission  with  certificate  of 
service   appended   thereto. ' '  Vol.  XIX,  p.  556. 

Sec.  683.  In  Masonry,  as  in  law,  litigants  only 
can  be  appellants.  By  Sec.  10,  Art.  IV,  Part  VI, 
of  the  Constitution,  it  is  declared  that  an  appeal 
may  be  taken  to  the  Grand  Lodge  by  either  party. 
The  judgment  of  the  Commission  is  the  judgment 
of  the  Lodge.  Vol.  XIX,  p.  558. 

Sec.  684.  An  accused  party  should  be  confronted 
with  his  accusers;  hence,  an  ex  parte  affidavit  can- 
not be  admitted  in  evidence.         Vol.  XIX,  p.  559. 

Sec.  685.  When  charges  are  preferred  by  the 
Secretary  of  the  Lodge,  that  officer  becomes  dis- 
qualified from  acting  as  Secretary  of  the  Trial- 
Commission.  Vol.  XIX,  p.  560. 


DECISIONS  463 

Sec.  686.  A  Masonic  trial  is  a  criminal  proceed- 
ing, and  the  conduct  of  such  a  trial  ought  to  be 
pretty  strictly  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of 
our  law  regulating  such  trials,  and  there  are  certain 
things  required  which   are  indispensable: — 

1st.     Charges   must   be   presented   to   the   Master. 

2d.  The  Master  must  examine  the  charges  and 
determine  whether  they  are  sufficient  in  form  and 
substance. 

3d.  He  must,  by  due  notification,  call  a  meeting 
of  his  Lodge  for  the  election  of  Commissioners. 

4th.  The  Commissioners  being  elected,  he  must 
appoint  a  time  and  place  for  their  meeting. 

5th.  A  summons  must  be  issued  directed  to  the 
accused  and  commanding  him  to  appear  and  an- 
swer the  charges  preferred  within  ten  days,  if 
served  within  the  territorial  jurisdiction  of  the 
Lodge;  within  thirty  days,  if  served  outside  that 
jurisdiction,  but  within  the  State,  within  ninety 
days,  if  served  out  of  the  State. 

6th.  If  the  accused  can  be  found,  or  has  a  known 
place  of  residence  or  business,  or  a  known  address, 
the  summons  must  be  served  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed, and  proof  of  service  should,  in  all  cases, 
be  endorsed  on  the  summons  by  the  officer  making 
it. 

7th.  If  the  address  be  unknown  the  trial  may  be 
taken  ex  parte. 

8th.  If  depositions  are  desired,  the  party  desiring 
them  must  make  application  in  writing  to  the  Mas- 
ter, stating  the  names  of  the  witnesses,  the  reasons 
for  taking  their  depositions,  and  that  their  testi- 
mony is  material  to  the  proper  trial  of  the  case,  and 
the  Master  must,  if  he   deem  the  application  suffi- 


464 


cient,  make  an  order  authorizing  the  taking  of  the 
depositions  before  some  officer  authorized  to  admin- 
ister oaths^  after  such  notice  to  the  adverse  party  as 
may  be  prescribed  by  the  order,  and  at  a  time  and 
place  therein  designated.  The  application,  order 
and  notice  cannot  be  dispensed  with. 

Vol.  XIX,  p.  581. 

Sec.  687.  The  rule  is  that  testimony  must  be 
taken  in  full  by  question  and  answer,  be  reduced  to 
writing  and  signed  by  the  witness. 

Vol.  XIX,  p.  583. 

Sec.  688.  The  construction  of  testimony  must  be 
given  by  those  who  pass  upon  it,  and  not  by  those 
who  are  merely  to  commit  it  to  writing. 

Vol.  XIX,  p.  583. 

Sec.  689.  Under  Sec.  3,  Art.  I,  Part  V,  of  our' 
Constitution,  no  Lodge  in  this  State  can  receive  a 
petition  for  the  degrees  of  Fellow  Craft  and  Master 
Mason  from  a  person  who  had  received  the  degree 
of  Entered  Apprentice  in  a  Lodge  subordinate  to 
any  foreign  Grand  Lodge  until  the  applicant  has 
resided  twelve  months  in  the  State  and  six  months 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge,  and  that  no 
Lodge  in  this  State  can  receive  such  petition  at  all 
until  it  has  received  permission  from  the  Lodge 
which  conferred  on  him  the  first  degree. 

Vol.  XX,  pp.  15,  212. 

Sec.  690.  When  the  Grand  Master  has  transferred 
the  trial  of  charges  from  the  Lodge  to  which  they 
were  presented  by  reason  of  the  disqualification  of 
the  Master  to  preside,  he  may,  if  a  new  Master  is 
elected,  against  whom  no  objection  exists,  before 
any  proceedings  have  been  had  for  or  in  the  trial, 
retransfer  the  case  for  trial  to  the  Lodge  from 
which  it  was  removed.  Vol.  XX,  pp.  15,  212. 


405 


Sec.  691.  It  is  the  duty  of  a  Lodge  to  attend 
the  funeral  of  a  deceased  member,  and,  if  he  re- 
quested it,  to  conduct  the  ceremonies;  to  see  to  it 
in  all  cases  that  proper  provision  is  made  for  his 
burial,  and  in  case  of  need  to  pay  the  expense;  but 
it  is  not  the  duty  of  the  Lodge  to  pay  the  funeral 
expenses  when  the  deceased  has  left  a  large  estate. 

Vol.  XX,  pp.  15,  212. 

Sec.  692.  When  a  petition  for  the  third  degree 
shows  that  the  Lodge  in  which  the  petitioner  re- 
ceived the  first  and  second  degrees  has  surrendered 
its  charter,  the  Lodge  to  which  the  petition  is  pre- 
sented must,  before  receiving  it,  obtain  permission 
from  the  Grand  Lodge  to  which  the  charter  was 
surrendered,  or  in  the  interval  between  its  sessions 
from  its  Grand  Master.  Vol.  XX,  pp.  15,  213. 

Sec.  693.  If,  at  the  annual  election  in  a  Lodge, 
the  party  declared  elected  to  the  office  of  Master 
then  declines  to  accept  the  position,  the  Lodge  may 
immediately  proeeed  to  ballot  again  for  Master  as 
though  no  ballot  had  been  had. 

Vol.  XX,  pp.  16,  213. 

Sec.  694.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  is  not  dis- 
qualified to  preside  at  the  trial  of  a  member,  because 
as  Junior  Warden  he  had,  by  direction  of  the  Lodge, 
preferred  the  charges,  or  because  he  is  a  witness, 
unless  he  is  personally  interested.  (But  see  Sec. 
744.).  Vol.  XX,  pp.  16,  213. 

Sec.  695.  In  one  case  the  petition  for  a  dispensa- 
tion to  form  a  new  Lodge  was  accompanied  by  the 
dimits  of  all  the  petitioners,  but  some  of  them  were 
a  few  days  over  six  months  old.  It  was  shown  that 
all  the  petitioners  had  obtained  their  dimits  for  the 
purpose  of  joining  in  the  petition,  but  there  was  some 


466  DECISIONS 

delay  in  getting  it  ready,  because  the  seal  of  Traver 
Lodge,  from  which  some  of  them  hailed,  had  been 
lost  and  its  records  destroyed  by  fire.  Under  the 
circumstances  the  Grand  Master  ruled,  as  we  think 
very  properly,  that  all  the  petitioners  were  in  good 
standing  and  competent  to  join  in  the  petition. 

Vol.  XX,  pp.  16,  213. 
Sec.  696.     No  Lodge  can  pay  the  expenses  of  one 
of  its  members  out  of  its  funds,  in  attending  meet- 
ings   of    the    Masonic    Veteran    Association    of    the 
Pacific  Coast.     •  Vol.  XX,  pp.  16,  213. 

Sec.  697.  "It  is  the  duty  of  every  Master  Mason 
to  be  a  member  of  some  Lodge,  and  every  non- 
affiliated Mason  who,  having  resided  six  months 
within  this  State,  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  make 
application  for  membership  to  some  Lodge  therein, 
shall  be  deemed  unworthy  of  Masonic  consideration, 
and  shall  not  be  entitled  to,  nor  the  recipient  of, 
any  of  the  rights,  privileges  or  charities  of  the 
Order."  This  language  admits  of  but  one  interpre- 
tation. If  a  non-affiliated  Mason  wishes  to  preserve 
his  standing  he  must  apply  to  some  Lodge,  and  he 
may  apply  to  any  Lodge  in  this  State.  (See  Const., 
Sec.  8,  Art.  V,  Part  VI;  also  Sec.  721.) 

Vol.  XX,  p.  214. 

Sec.  698.  One  on  asking  to  be  received  as  a  vis- 
itor must,  unless  vouched  for  by  some  one  present, 
prove  himself  to  be  a  Mason,  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the  Master  of  the  Lodge,  on  a  personal  examination, 
and  a  Grand  Lodge  diploma  or  certificate  or  other 
documentary  evidence  can  never  be  received  as  suffi- 
cient to  entitle  the  applicant  to  admission  without 
examination.  Vol.  XX,  pp.  16,  214. 


467 


Sec.  699.  It  is  proper  that  every  Lodge  should 
provide  a  suitable  place  for  the  burial  of  its  dead, 
and  the  expense  of  the  purchase  of  such  a  place  and 
of  the  keeping  of  it  in  good  condition  is  a  legitimate 
Lodge  expense.  Every  Lodge  should  secure  such 
a  place  and  should  see  that  it  is  kept  in  good  con- 
dition. Vol.  XX,  pp.  16,  214. 

Sec.  700.  Under  our  Constitution  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter has  no  power  to  grant  a  dispensation  to  a  Lodge 
to  receive  and  act  upon  a  petition  for  the  degrees 
from  any  person  who  has  not  resided  in  the  State 
twelve  months,  and  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
particular  Lodge  six  months,  unless  the  petitioner 
is  a  person  belonging  to  the  army  or  navy  of  the 
United  States.  Vol.  XX,  pp.  16,  214. 

Sec.  701.  An  applicant  for  the  degrees  of  Ma- 
sonry must  be  a  man  not  deformed  or  dismembered, 
but  hale  and  sound  in  his  physical  conformation. 
(See  Eegulation  No.  11;  also  Sec.  916.) 

Vol.  XX,  pp.  17,  215. 

Sec.  702.  No  Lodge  can  be  permitted  to  use  its 
funds  to  provide  refreshments  or  entertainments  for 
its  members  or  friends.     (See  Eegulation  No.  57.) 

Vol.  XX,  pp.  17,  215. 

Sec.  703.  The  payment  of  a  sum  equivalent  to  six 
months'  dues,  by  a  non-affiliate,  is  a  condition  pre- 
cedent to  the  presentation  of  his  petition  for  mem- 
bership, and  places  the  applicant  in  good  standing. 
The  money,  therefore,  so  paid,  will  not  be  refunded 
in  case  the  application  is  rejected.  The  right  to 
make  such  application  is  one  of  the  privileges  from 
the  exercise  of  which  he  had  by  his  own  neglect 
deprived   himself,   and   the   payment  was   made   for 


468 


the  purpose  of  restoring  him  to  that  right  and  other 
rights  incident  to  good  standing. 

Vol.  XX,  pp.  17,215. 

Sec.  704.  No  Mason  of  our  own  or  of  a  foreign: 
jurisdiction  can  be  allowed  to  circulate  -among  the 
brethren  here  a  petition  for  contributions  for  the 
erection  of  a  church  or  for  other  like  purpose. 

Vol.  XX,  pp.  17,  215. 

Sec.  705.  A  Lodge  having  charge  of  the  Imrial 
of  one  of  its  members  may  properly  invite  other 
organizations  to  furnish  pallbearers  and  to  join  in 
the  procession,  but  not  to  take  part  in  the  cere- 
monies. This  must  not  be  understood  to  mean  that 
no  service  except  the  Masonic  burial  service  can 
be  performed  at  the  burial  of  one  who  has  requested 
Masonic  burial,  but  only  that  the  Lodge  must,  in 
the  procession,  occupy  the  place  of  honor,  and  must 
have  charge  of  and  conclude  the  service.  Not  un-. 
frequently  the  friends  of  the  decedent  desire  service 
in  the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member  or  attend- 
ant, and  it  is  customary  and  proper  in  such  cases 
for  the  Lodge  to  accompany  the  body  to  the  church 
and  there  assist  in  the  proper  church  services,  and 
upon  the  conclusion  of  such  services  to  conduct  the 
body  to  the  place  of  burial,  and  there,  in  accord- 
ance with  Masonic  usage,  conclude  the  service  and 
consign  the  body  to  the  grave. 

Vol.  XX,  pp.  17,  215. 

Sec.  706.  When  a  special  meeting  for  the  ^elec- 
tion of  Trial-Commissioners  has  been  called  and 
notice  given,  if  for  any  reason  no  meeting  is  held 
at  the  time  designated,  the  Master1  must  issue  an- 
other call  and  cause  new  notices  to  be  served.       : 

Vol.XX/pp.l7,21(i. 


4G9 


Sec.  707.  A  petitioner  for  degrees  must  be  rec- 
ommended by  at  least  two  members  of  the  Lodge, 
but  he  is  not  required  to  furnish  references.  If,, 
however,  he  does  furnish  references,  he  may  give 
the  names  of  firms  with  as  much  propriety  as  of  in- 
dividuals. Vol.  XX,  pp.  17,  216. 

Sec.  708.  In  1879  Grand  Master  Browne  decided 
that  a  "Lodge  cannot  be  opened  except  by  or  under 
the  direction  and  with  the  presence  of  the  Master 
or  one  of  the  Wardens '•?  (Proceedings,  Vol.  XIV, 
p.  190),  and  that  we  understand  to  be  the  correct 
rule.  If,  for  instance,  the  Grand  Lecturer  were 
present,  he  might,  at  the  request  and  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Master,  open  the  Lodge  and  confer  de- 
grees or  assist  in  the  transaction  of  business.  In 
such  case,  the  Master  being  present,  directs  and  con- 
trols his  Lodge  and  its  work  as  effectually  as  though 
himself  occupying  the  chair.  But  the  rule  is  that 
the  Lodge  cannot  be  opened,  nor  any  work  done, 
nor  any  business  transacted,  except  in  the  presence 
and  under  the  direction  of  the  Master  or  one  of  the 
Wardens.  Vol.  XX,  pp.  17,  216. 

Sec.  709.  A  Lodge  may,  for  special  reasons,  as  for 
services  performed  in  instructing  candidates,  remit 
the  dues  of  one  of  its  members.  The  Lodge  has 
full  control  in  such  cases,  and  may  of  its  own 
motion  or  upon  his  request,  remit  the  dues  of  some 
member  for  services  performed,  or  because  for  some 
reason  he  is  unable  to  pay  them. 

Vol.  XX,  pp.  18,  218. 

Sec.  710.  Under  our  procedure  the  Lodge,  as" 
such,  has  no  authority  to  act  in  the  matter  of  enter- 
taining or  dismissing  or  permitting  the  withdrawal 
of  charges.    That  duty  is  devolved  upon  the  Master, 


470 


and,  as  in  the  first  instance,  he  had  the  right  to  de- 
termine whether  the  acts  complained  of  constituted 
a  Masonic  offense,  so  he  should  have  authority 
when  the  offense  charged  is  trivial,  to  permit  charges 
to  be  withdrawn  before  trial,  or  after  a  reversal  of 
judgment  before  retrial,  whenever,  in  his  judg- 
ment, all  the  good  results  that  could  be  hoped  for 
from  a  trial  or  retrial  have  been  accomplished. 
(After  reversal  of  judgment  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  no 
retrial  can  be  had,  unless  the  Grand  Lodge  ordered 
it;  then  a  retrial  must  be  had,  and  the  Master  can- 
not dismiss  the  charges.  (See  Sec.  538a  and  559; 
also  Eegulation  No.  40.)  Vol.  XX,  pp.  18,  216. 

Sec.  711.  Yuba  Lodge  No.  39  had  elected  a  can- 
didate for  the  degrees,  and  a  member  of  another 
Lodge  had  interposed  an  objection  to  his  initiation. 
Thereupon  the  Master  inquired  of  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter what  he  should  do,  and  whether  he  had  a  right 
to  demand  the  reasons  for  the  objections.  The  Grand 
Master,  construing  a  decision  of  Grand  Master  Hines 
and  the  report  of  this  committee  made  thereon  in 
1879  (Vol.  XIV,  p.  168)  to  mean  that  a  member 
of  another  Lodge  could,  under  the  provisions  of 
Sec.  6,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution,* inter- 
pose an  objection  to  the  initiation  of  a  candidate, 
held  that  an  objection  so  interposed  would,  if  not 
withdrawn  within  sixty  days,  be  equivalent  to 
rejection. 

The  language  of  the  section  of  the  Constitution 
alluded  to  is:  "No  Lodge  shall  have  more  than 
one  ballot  for  the  three  degrees;  but,  though  an 
applicant  may  be  elected  to  receive  them,  if,  at  any 
time  before  his  initiation,  objection  be  made  by  any 
member,  he  shall  not  receive  the  degree  until  such 
objection  shall  have  been  withdrawn;  and  such  ob- 


DECISIONS  471 

jection  shall,  unless  withdrawn  within  sixty  days, 
have  the  effect  of  a  rejection  by  ballot,  and  shall  be 
reported  to  the  Grand  Secretary. 

It  is  worthy  of  note  that  the  right  of  objection 
is  given  to  the  members  of  the  Lodge  only  and  not 
to  every  Mason  in  good  standing. 

In  1878  Grand  Master  Browne  decided  "that  the 
members  of  a  Lodge  are  not  entitled  to  know  or  to 
inquire  the  name  of  the  brother  who  interposes  an 
objection  to  the  initiation  of  a  candidate  any  more 
than  they  would  be  the  name  or  motives  of  the 
party  casting  a  black  ball."     (Vol.  XIII,  p.  620.) 

In  the  case  before  him  an  objection  had  been  in- 
terposed by  a  member,  and  other  members  desiring 
to  know  who  had  interposed  it  and  why,  the  ques- 
tion was  asked,  if  they  had  a  right  to  know. 

Again,  in  1879,  a  member  outside  of  the  Lodge, 
stated  to  the  Master  that  he  objected  to  the  initia- 
tion of  a  candidate  who  had  been  elected,  and  the 
question  was  asked,  whether  the  Master  should 
notice  an  objection  made  in  that  way.  In  that  case 
Grand  Master  Browne  decided  that  "an  objection 
to  the  initiation  of  a  person  who  has  been  elected 
to  receive  the  degrees  of  Masonry  in  a  Lodge,  may 
be  made  to  the  Master  thereof  at  any  time  before 
the  initiation,  either  by  simple  oral  statement  or  in 
writing,  and  in  or  out  of  the  Lodge.  It  is  sufficient 
if  the  Master  is  advised  by  the  brother  objecting 
that  he  does  object."     (Vol.  XIV,  p.  118.) 

Both  of  these  decisions  were  approved  by  the 
Grand  Lodge.  We  have  given  these  decisions  and 
the  section  of  the  Constitution  upon  which  they  were 
based,  because  it  is  plain  to  us  that  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter was  misled  by  the  use  of  the  words  the  brother 
jn  these  decisions,  in  interpreting  them  to  mean  any 


472 


Mason  in  good  standing  or  a  member  of  any  Lodge. 
We  do  not  think  the  decisions  ambiguous,  but,  if 
they  are  so,  the  language  of  the  section  upon  which 
they  were  based  is  so  explicit  and  clear  as  to  leave 
no  room  for  doubt. 

As  we  interpret  that  section  and  the  decisions,  a 
member  of  the  Lodge  may  at  any  time  before  the 
initiation,  and  in  the  Lodge  or  elsewhere,  by  word 
of  mouth  or  by  writing,  advise  or  inform  the  Master 
that  he  objects,  and  that  the  candidate  cannot  be 
initiated  unless  that  objection  is  withdrawn;  but  no 
member  of  another  Lodge  has  a  right  to  interpose 
an  objection  any  more  than  he  would  have  a  right 
to  participate  in  the  ballot  upon  the  candidate's 
2>etition. 

If  the  Master,  however,  should  at  any  time  before 
initiation  be  advised  by  any  Master  Mason  in  good 
standing,  or  by  any  respectable  gentleman,  that  the 
candidate  was  unworthy  or  disreputable,  it  would 
be  the  Master's  duty  to  delay  further  proceedings 
until  he  could  satisfy  himself  fully  as  to  the  candi- 
date 's  character.     (Jurisprudence  Committee.) 

Vol.  XX,  p.  216. 

Sec.  712.  A  Lodge  of  Entered  Apprentices  or 
Fellow  Crafts  can  exercise  no  control  over  the  funds 
of  a  Lodge  for  charity  or  for  any  other  purpose, 
and  a  Lodge  of  Master  Masons  cannot  give  any 
portion  of  its  funds  for  the  relief  of  the  widow  of 
an  Entered  Apprentice,  for  no  business  can  be  trans- 
acted except  in  a  Lodge  of  Master  Masons,  and  none 
but  Master  Masons  can  be  members  of  a  Lodge  or 
are  entitled  to  all  the  privileges  and  benefits  of  the 
Order.  Vol.  XX,  pp.  18,  217. 


DECISIONS  I  ?:» 

Sec.  713.  (This  decision  has  reference  to  a  party 
elected  at  a  time  when  separate  ballots  were  had  for 
the  degrees.     It  has  no  longer  any  validity.) 

Sec.  714.  The  charges  against  an  accused  brother 
should  not  be  read  at  the  meeting  called  to  elect 
Commissioners;  nor  should  the  name  of  the  accused 
be  made  known.  Vol.  XX,  p.  191. 

Sec.  715.  The  accused  is  clearly  entitled  to  vote 
at  the  meeting  called  to  elect  Commissioners. 

Vol.  XX,  p.191. 

Sec.  716.  In  cases  of  reprimand  no  transcript  is 
necessary,  unless  a  proper  appeal  is  taken,  in  which 
case  the  sentence  is  Stayed  until  the  case  is  heard  in 
the  Grand  Lodge.  Vol.  XX,  p.  192. 

Sec.  717.  Inability  to  pay  debts  does  not  consti- 
tute a  Masonic  offense;  there  must  be  some  Masonic 
delinquency  shown,  involving  moral  turpitude. 
Lodges  cannot  be  made  collectors  for  bad  debts. 

Vol.  XX,  p.  686. 

Sec.  718.  An  accused  party  has  thirty  days  after 
the  announcement  of  the  result  of  the  trial,  within 
which  to  give  notice  of  appeal,  and  to  affirm  the 
record  prior  to  the  expiration  of  said  thirty  days, 
and  prior  to  the  giving  of  such  notice  of  appeal, 
would  be  to  deprive  the  brother  of  a  right  guaran- 
teed to  him  by  the  Constitution.      Vol.  XX,  p.  687. 

Sec.  719.  It  is  not  in  the  power  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  to  restore  to  membership  in  his  Lodge  one 
who  has  been  suspended  or  expelled  therefrom.  It 
can  restore  him  to  all  the  rights  and  privileges,  ex- 
cept those  which  are  incident  to  membership  in  a 
particular  Lodge.  These  latter  peculiar  rights  and 
privileges  he  could  only  acquire  by  affiliation,  upon 
petition  and  election  in  the  regular  mode. 

Vol.  XX,  p.  711. 


474 


DECISIONS 


Sec.  720.  The  six  months'  dues  paid  by  an  appli- 
cant for  affiliation  whose  dimit  had  been  issued  more 
than  six  months  prior  to  his  making  application,  is 
a  condition  precedent  which  simply  entitled  the  party 
to  make  application.  If  elected  to  membership,  his 
dues  in  the  Lodge  will  begin  to  run  from  the  date 
of  his  election  and  the  equivalent  which  he  had 
paid  can  not  be  applied  in  payment  of  dues  accruing 
subsequent  to  his  election.  Vol.  XXI,  p.  212. 

Sec.  721.  1st.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  Master 
Mason  to  be  a  member  of  some  Lodge. 

2d.  If,  being  a  member  of  a  Lodge  in  some  other 
State  or  country,  he  comes  to  reside  in  California, 
he  may  continue  his  membership  in  the  State  or 
country  from  which  he  came. 

3d.  If,  however,  before  coming  to  California,  he 
severs  his  membership  with  the  Lodge  in  the  State 
or  country  from  which  he  came,  he  must,  within 
six  months  from  the  time  he  becomes  a  resident  of 
California,  make  application  for  membership  to  some 
Lodge  in  this  State. 

4th.  If  he  neglects  to  make  such  application 
within  the  time  limited,  he  is  not  to  receive,  nor  are 
we  permitted  to  accord  to  him,  "any  of  the  rights, 
privileges,  or  charities' '  of  the  Order.  He  is,  in 
effect,  suspended. 

5th.  If,  however,  after  the  lapse  of  six  months, 
he  desires  to  make  application  for  membership,  he 
must,  as  a  condition  precedent,  pay  a  sum  equivalent 
to  six  months'  dues  of  the  Lodge  to  which  he  would 
apply,  and  then  present  his  petition  with  his  dimit 
and  the  affiliation  fee. 

6th.  The  rejection  of  his  application  places  him  in 
good  standing  for  six  months  from  the  date  of  the 
rejection,  and  during  that  period  he  may  again  apply 


475 


to  the  same  Lodge  or  to  any  other  Lodge  in  the 
State,  without  the  payment  of  any  sum  as  a  condition 
precedent.  [That  is,  without  the  payment  of  six 
month's  dues.] 

7th.  The  six  months  begin  to  run  from  the  time 
the  non-affiliated  becomes  a  resident  in  California, 
and  not  from  the  date  of  the  dimit,  unless  it  were 
issued  subsequent  to  his  becoming  a  resident  here. 

8th.  If  a  member  of  a  Lodge  in  this  State  with- 
draws therefrom,  and,  continuing  to  reside  here, 
neglects  for  six  months  from  the  date  of  such  with- 
drawal to  make  application  for  membership  to  some 
Lodge  here,  he  will  place  himself  under  the  same 
disabilities  and  be  subject  to  the  same  conditions 
as  the  non-affiliate  who,  coming  from  abroad  to 
reside  here,  neglects  the  duty  prescribed.  (See  Sec. 
8,  Art.  V,  Part  VI,  Const.)  Vol.  XXI,  p.  213. 

Sec.  722.  When  a  custom  prevails,  generally,  in 
respect  to  a  matter,  such  as  balloting  on  an  applica- 
tion for  membership  or  for  the  degrees,  it  should  be 
observed  as  the  law,  and  should  be  modified  only  by 
express  law.  In  balloting,  the  following  method  of 
procedure  should  be  employed: 

The  Senior  Deacon  should,  when  directed  by  the 
Master  so  to  do,  approach  the  altar  and  then  prepare 
the  box  for  the  ballot,  and,  having  prepared  it,  he 
should  present  it  to  the  Junior  and  Senior  Wardens, 
and  then  to  the  Master.  These  officers  should  sev- 
erally inspect  it,  and,  if  found  to  be  properly  pre- 
pared, the  Master  should,  before  handing  the  box 
to  the  Deacon,  deposit  his  ballot;  he  should  then 
direct  the  Deacon  to  present  the  box  to  the  Senior 
and  Junior  Wardens,  that  they  may,  without  leaving 
their  station,  cast  their  ballots.  The  Deacon  should 
then  place  the  box  upon  the  altar,  and  each  member 


476 


present  shall  be  required  to  approach  the  altar  and 
deposit  his  ballot.  Vol.  XXI,  p.  214. 

Sec.  723.  A  Lodge  in  California  may,  at  the  re- 
quest of  a  Lodge  in  Michigan  or  in  any  other  State, 
confer,  as  an  act  of  courtesy,  the  second  and  third 
degrees  upon  a  person  who  has  been  elected  and 
initiated  by  the  Lodge  making  the  request. 

Vol.  XXI,  p.  215. 

Sec.  724.  If  at  the  time  fixed  for  the  installation 
of  the  newly  elected  officers  of  a  Lodge,  the  Master 
happens  to  be  sick  and  unable  to  attend,  the  in- 
stalling officer  may,  nevertheless,  proceed  to  install 
the  other  officers  present,  and  the  Master  may  be 
installed  when  he  is  able  to  attend. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  10,  215. 

Sec.  725.  There  can  be  no  installation  by  proxy. 
At  the  time  fixed  for  the  installation  of  officers,  the 
installing  officer  shall,  upon  satisfactory  proof  of 
qualification,  install  such  as  then  present  themselves; 
and  such  as  cannot,  for  any  reason,  then  present 
themselves,  may  be  afterwards  installed,  but  they 
cannot,  in  any  case,  enter  upon  their  duties  until 
they  have  been  installed.  Vol.  XXI,  p.  215. 

Sec.  726.  An  application  for  affiliation  unaccom- 
panied by  a  dimit,  may  be  received  if  it  is  accom- 
panied by  a  statement  or  explanation  which  is  satis- 
factory to  the  Master  and  the  Lodge,  stating  the 
reason  why  the  applicant  cannot  present  a  dimit  or 
certificate  of  withdrawal.  The  applicant  must,  in 
such  case,  present  with  his  application  a  statement 
Or  statements  showing  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Master  and  his  Lodge,  that  the  applicant  had  been  a 
member  of  some  particular  Lodge;  that,  being  in 
good  standing,  he  had  withdrawn  therefrom,  and 
had  received  a  dimit  or  simple  certificate  of  with- 


PECISions  477 

drawal,  which  had  been  lost  or  destroyed;  or  that, 
under  the  laws  of  the  particular  Grand  Jurisdiction, 
as  in  New  York,  no  dimits  were  ever  issued  until  the 
particular  member  desiring  one  had  made  applica- 
tion to  some  other  Lodge  for  membership,  and  had 
been  elected.  The  dimit  is  the  best  evidence,  but 
when  that  cannot  be  had,  secondary  evidence  may 
be  resorted  to.  So  long  as  the  Lodge  continues  in 
existence,  a  statement  of  the  facts  by  its  Secretary, 
and  under  the  seal  of  his  Lodge,  is  next  in  order, 
and  when  the  Lodge  has  ceased  to  exist,  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  Grand  Jurisdiction  to  which  the 
records  of  the  extinct  Lodge  belong,  would  be  the 
next  best.  (See  also  Constitution,  Sec.  8,  Art.  I, 
Part  V.)  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  10,  215. 

Sec.  727.  No  Lodge  in  this  State  has  authority 
to  waive  jurisdiction  over  an  applicant  for  degrees 
whose  application  has  been  rejected  by  it.  Under 
our  law  the  Lodge,  whether  in  this  State  or  else- 
where, acquires,  by  receiving  or  rejecting  his  ap- 
plication for  the  degrees,  exclusive  jurisdiction  over 
the  applicant  for  the  period  of  twelve  months  from 
the  date  of  rejection.  And  no  other  Lodge  can  law- 
fully, within  that  period,  receive  an  application  from 
him.  When  that  period  has  expired,  its  jurisdiction 
is  gone,  and  the  party  is  free  to  make  another 
application  as  he  would  if  he  had  never  made  one. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  10,  216; 

Sec.  728.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  California  recog- 
nizes perpetual  jurisdiction  only  when  an  applicant 
has  been  elected  and  initiated  by  the  Lodge  to  which 
he  applies.  In  such  a  case  our  law  is  so  general, 
and  yet  so  precise,  as  to  leave  no  room  for  doubt. 
The  language  is:  "No  Entered  Apprentice  or  Fellow 
Craft  shall  be  advanced  to  a  higher  degree  in  any 


478  DECISIONS 

Lodge  other  than  that  in  which  he  shall  have  re- 
ceived those,  or  either  of  those  degrees,  unless  by 
the  official  consent  of  such  Lodge,  if  it  be  then  in 
existence  and  be  within  the  United  States  of 
America,  or  the  Dominion  of  Canada. ' '  The  policy 
of  this  prohibition  might  be  doubtful  if  it  were  open 
to  question.  If  it  were  a  matter  of  absolute  right, 
there  should  be  no  limitation  to  particular  countries. 
But  we  accept  it  as  our  written  law. 

Vol.  XXI,  p.  216. 

Sec.  729.  California  recognizes  a  jurisdiction  of 
one  year  over  a  rejected  candidate.  During  that 
time  the  rejecting  Lodge  may,  by  dispensation  from 
the  Grand  Master,  receive  from  him  a  second  appli- 
cation, but  no  other  Lodge  can.  When  the  full  year 
after  a  rejection  has  elapsed,  the  jurisdiction  has 
lapsed,  and  we  recognize  no  claim  or  authority  over 
the  rejected  applicant  by  reason  of  the  rejection, 
whether  claimed  by  one  of  our  own  Lodges  or  by  a 
Lodge  in  any  other  State  or  country. 

Vol.  XXI,  p.  216. 

Sec.  730.  The  funds  of  a  Lodge,  no  matter  from 
what  source  derived,  cannot  be  used  for  the  purpose 
of  providing  refreshments  or  entertainments  for  the 
members  or  their  friends.  (See  Sec.  771,  Vol.  XXI, 
p.   777;   also  Regulation  No.  57.) 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  11,217. 

Sec.  731.  When  a  member  of  one  of  our  Lodges 
withdraws  therefrom  and  receives  a  dimit,  he  should, 
within  six  months  from  the  date  of  withdrawal, 
make  application  for  membership  to  some  Lodge 
here.  After  a  lapse  of  six  months,  if  he  desires  to 
make  such  application,  he  must  first  pay  to  the 
Lodge  to  which  he  wishes  to  apply  a  sum  equivalent 
to  six  months'  dues  of  that  Lodge,  and  the  Lodge 


DECISIONS  470 

can   thereupon   receive    his   application.      (See   Sec. 
721.)  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  11,  217. 

Sec.  732.  Whenever  it  becomes  necessary  or  ex- 
pedient for  the  Master  to  assign  to  a  candidate  for 
initiation  any  reason  for  delay  in  conferring  the 
degree,  he  should  assign  the  true  reason;  and  he 
should  never  attempt,  by  prevarication  or  equivoca- 
tion, to  mislead  or  deceive  the  candidate. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  17,  217. 

Sec.  733.  When  an  Entered  Apprentice  is  guilty 
of  offenses  cognizable  by  our  tribunals,  charges 
should  be  preferred  against  him,  and  a  trial  should 
be  had  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  our 
Constitution  regulating  trials  for  Masonic  offenses. 
An  Entered  Apprentice  is  not  a  member  of  the 
Lodge,  but  he  is  a  Mason,  and  is  amenable  to  Masonic 
law,  and  if  guilty  of  any  serious  infraction  of  that 
law,  he  should  be  tried,  and  reprimanded,  suspended 
or  expelled,  as  may  meet  his  offense.  Dropping  from 
the  roll  is  not  mentioned  in  our  Penal  Code  as  pun- 
ishment for  offenses  committed. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  11,218. 

Sec.  734.  When  the  Secretary  of  a  Lodge  dies 
shortly  after  his  installation,  the  fact  should  be  re- 
ported to  the  Grand  Master,  with  the  request  for  a 
dispensation  to  elect  a  Secretary  to  fill  the  vacancy. 
This  rule  applies  to  all  elective  officers  of  a  Lodge, 
except  the  Master,  to  whom  the  Wardens  have  the 
right  of  succession  whenever  a  vacancy  occurs  in  the 
early  part  of  the  term  from  death,  resignation  or 
suspension  of  the  incumbent,  or  his  removal  from 
the  jurisdiction.  If  the  vacancy  should  occur  near 
the  end  of  the  term,  it  would  be  proper  and  more 
convenient  to  appoint  pro  tempore.  (See  Eegulation 
No.  74.)  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  II,  218. 


480 


Sec.  735.  Under  Section  2,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III  of 
the  Constitution,  as  amended  in  1892,  the  permis- 
sion by  the  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction  a  party 
resides  to  a  neighboring  Lodge  to  receive  and  act 
upon  his  petition  must  be  given  at  a  stated  meeting; 
and  the  determination  of  the  question  may  be  made 
by  the  vote  of  the  majority  of  the  members  present, 
taken  in  the  manner  in  which  other  matters  of  busi- 
ness are  usually  determined. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  12,  219. 

Sec.  736.  The  permission  to  a  Lodge  to  attend 
religious  services,  as  a  Lodge  and  in  Masonic  cloth- 
ing, in  company  with  a  Commandery  of  Knights 
Templar,  is  a  matter  strictly  within  the  discretion 
of  the  Grand  Master.     (See  Sees.  773,  803,  and  853.) 

Vol.  XXI,  p.  219. 

Sec.  737.  The  signatures  to  a  petition  for  a  dis- 
pensation to  authorize  the  formation  of  a  new  Lodge 
must  be  only  those  of  Master  Masons  in  good  stand- 
ing at  the  time.  Parties  holding  dimits  six  months 
old  cannot  sign  the  petition. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  12,  219. 

Sec.  738.  It  is  a  primary  duty  of  every  Lodge  to 
care  for,  and,  in  case  of  need,  to  assist  the  family 
of  one  of  its  own  deceased  members;  but  it  would 
be  a  duty  of  any  Lodge,  within  whose  jurisdiction 
the  family  of  a  deceased  member  of  another  Lodge 
resides,  to  care  for  and  assist  such  family — a  duty, 
the  neglect  of  which  could  not  be  excused  by  any 
neglect  on  the  part  of  the  Lodge  of  which  such 
deceased  brother  had  been  a  member. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  12, 219. 

Sec.  739.  The  rule  of  our  Penal  Code  that  when 
the  accused  is  not  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Lodge,   but   is  in   the   State,   and   his   residence   is 


481 


known,  the  summons  and  a  copy  of  the  charges  shall 
be  issued  at  least  thirty  days  before  the  day  of  trial 
and  forwarded  to  his  address  by  the  Secretary  by 
mail  or  other  usual  mode  of  conveyance;  is  general, 
and  applies  t<>  a  case  transferred  from  one  Lodge  to 
another  for  trial.  If  the  accused  is  in  fact  within 
the  jurisdiction,  the  time  is  ten  days.  If  he  is  not 
within  that  jurisdiction  and  is  within  the  State,  and 
his  residence  is  known,  the  time  is  thirty  days. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  12*  220. 

Sec.  740.  The  daughter  of  a  Master  Mason, 
wdiether  of  tender  years,  or,  if  unmarried,  of  mature 
years,  is  a  member  of  his  family,  and  is,  if  in  need, 
entitled  to  ask  for  and  receive  assistance  from 
Masons  wherever  she  may  be;  and  a  Lodge  or  Board 
of  Relief  may  lawfully  and  properly  pay  out  from 
the  fund  at  his  disposal,  such  sum  as  may  be  neces- 
sary to  relieve  the  needs  of  such  applicant.  (See 
Regulation  No.  77;  also  Sees.  876  and  887.) 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  12,  220. 

Sec.  741.  When  a  cause  has  been  transferred  from 
the  Lodge  in  which  the  charges  were  presented  to 
another  Lodge  for  trial,  the  accused  is  not  entitled, 
as  a  matter  of  right,  to  notice  of  the  time  fixed  for 
the  election  of  Commissioners. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  13,  221. 

Sec.  742.  It  is  competent  and  proper  for  the  Mas- 
ter, without  a  vote  of  his  Lodge,  to  direct  the  Secre- 
tary to  draw  and  the  Treasurer  to  pay  a  warrant 
for  Grand  Lodge  dues,  which,  b}'  the  Constitution, 
are  required  to  accompany  the  annual  report  of  the 
Lodge.     (See  Regulation  No.  53.) 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  13,  221. 

Sec.  743.  When  a  trial  is  had  in  the  Lodge  of 
which  tlie  accused  is  a  member,  or  in  another  Lodge 


482 


DECISIONS 


to  which  the  case  is  transferred,  the  Secretary  can- 
not make  any  charge  for  serving  the  summons,  or 
for  writing  up  the  record  of  the  trial,  or  for  writing 
a  transcript  or  copy  of  the  record,  for  transmission 
to  the  Grand  Secretary  in  case  of  an  appeal. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  13,  222. 

Sec.  744.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  ought  not  to 
preside  at  the  trial  of  a  Mason,  whether  a  member 
of  his  Lodge  or  not,  when  it  is  known  to  him  in 
advance  of  the  trial  that  he  is  to  be  called  as  a  wit- 
ness, or  when  he,  as  Junior  Warden  or  otherwise, 
has  preferred  the  charge  upon  which  the  trial  is  to 
be  had.  Vol.  XXI,  p.  206. 

Sec.  745.  A  Lodge  can  properly  appropriate  from 
its  Lodge  funds  for  the  payment  of  the  premium  on 
a  policy  of  insurance  for  a  brother  who  has  been 
pronounced  to  be  in  the  last  stages  of  consumption, 
and  whose  death  would  leave  a  destitute  family 
dependent  upon  the  Lodge.     (See  Sec.  822.) 

Vol.  XXI,  p.  207. 

Sec.  746.  (1)  No  Lodge  in  California  can  do 
anything  in  the  way  of  advancing  an  Entered  Ap- 
prentice or  Fellow  Craft  except  at  request  or  by 
permission  of  the  foreign  Lodge. 

(2)  At  request  of  the  foreign  Lodge,  the  Lodge 
here  may  confer  both  the  second  and  third  degrees, 
or  either  of  them,  as  an  act  of  courtesy;  but  in 
such  case  no  petition  need  be,  or  can  be,  received 
or  ballot  taken,  and  no  fee  can  be  demanded  either 
from  the  Lodge  making  the  request  or  from  the  party 
advanced;  and,  when  the  third  degree  has  been  con- 
ferred the  recipient  becomes  ipso  facto  a  member 
of  the  foreign  Lodge. 

(3)  If  a  Fellow  Craft  from  a  foreign  jurisdiction 
desires  to  receive  the  third  degree  in  and  to  become 


DECISIONS  48.'J 

a  member  of  one  of  our  Lodges,  he  must  first  pro- 
cure the  permission,  the  official  consent  of  the  Lodge 
that  made  him  a  Fellow  Craft,  and  must  present 
that  official  consent  and  the  proper  fee  with  his  peti- 
1  ion,  else  his  petition  cannot  be  received.  If  elected, 
the  degree  may  be  conferred  and  he  will  thereby 
become  a  member  of  the  Lodge  conferring  it.  The 
fee  must  accompany  the  petition,  and  the  applicant 
must  pay  it.  The  Lodge  ought  not  even  to  suggest 
that  it  might  present  a  claim  to  the  foreign  Lodge 
under  such  circumstances.  If  any  reclamation  on 
account  of  fees  paid  but  not  earned  is  to  be  made, 
let  the  party  who  paid  them  make  it. 

Vol.  XXI,  p.  209. 

Sec.  747.  When  an  applicant  has  been  initiated 
in  any  Lodge,  whether  in  this  State  or  elsewhere  in 
the  United  States  or  Canada,  no  Lodge  in  this  State 
can  confer  either  of  the  remaining  degrees  upon 
him,  except  as  an  act  of  courtesy  at  the  request  of 
the  Lodge  which  initiated  him,  or  by  its  permission 
to  receive  and  act  upon  his  petition.  (See  Consti- 
tution, Sec.  7,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III.) 

Vol.  XXI,  p.  209. 

Sec.  748.  Ex  parte  affidavits  are  not  admissible 
as  testimony.  The  testimony  should  be  taken  in  the 
form  of  a  deposition,  in  the  manner  prescribed  in 
Section  5,  Article  IV,  Part  VI,  of  the  Constitution. 

Vol.  XXI,  p.  231. 

Sec.  749.  When  a  resident  of  California  makes  a 
visit  to  another  State  or  country  for  business  or 
pleasure,  and  while  away  from  his  home,  without 
permission  of  the  Lodge  nearest  his  residence,  ap- 
plies for  and  receives  the  degrees  of  Masonry  in 
a  regularly  constituted  Lodge,  he  is  a  Mason  and 
cannot  be  classed  as  clandestine;  yet  no  Lodge  here 


481 


DECISIONS 


can  recognize  him  as  a  Mason  until  he  has  made 
application  to  and  been  received  as  a  member  by  the 
Lodge  nearest  his  place  of  residence;  and  that  Lodge 
may  demand  of  him,  as  a  condition  for  receiving 
his  petition,  the  payment  of  the  full  fee  for  the 
three  degrees;  and  when,  under  such  circumstances, 
the  party  has  received  only  the  first  degree,  or  the 
first  and  second  degrees,  no  Lodge  in  this  State 
should,  even  at  the  request  of  the  foreign  Lodge, 
confer  the  remaining  degree  or  degrees  without  the 
consent  of  the  Lodge  having  jurisdiction  over  his 
place  of  residence.  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  537,  762. 

Sec.  750.  In  the  Grand  Lodge  of  England  a 
decided  expression  of  opinion  upon  electioneering  for 
office  seems  to  have  been  sufficient.  There,  in  1888, 
the  Board  of  General  Purposes  was  informed  that 
a  candidate  for  Grand  Treasurer  who  was,  at  the 
time  of  the  meeting  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  sick  and 
unable  to  leave  his  house,  had  sent  invitations  to 
members  to  call  and  take  luncheon  with  him.  The 
Board  reported  the  matter  to  Grand  Lodge,  which 
unanimously  adopted  this  resolution: — 

''That  this  Grand  Lodge  emphatically  condemns 
any  entertainment  or  other  inducement  given  to  in- 
fluence members  by  any  candidate  in  Grand  Lodge. J  r 

A  like  resolution  was  adopted  by  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  Missouri  in  1877,  with  like  effect.  It  is  plain, 
however,  that  with  us,  as  with  our  friends  in  Ken- 
tucky, resolutions  of  condemnation  have  not  proved 
effectual,  and  that  it  is  incumbent  upon  us  to  make 
such  a  new  regulation  as  will  immediately  stop  these 
disreputable  practices.  We  call  them  disreputable  ad- 
visedly, because  to  us  it  seems  disreputable  for  an 
aspirant  for  office  in  an  Order  like  ours,  by  circulars 
or    personal    canvass,    to    publish    his    own    peculiar 


DECISIONS  485 

qualifications  and  fitness  for  office  and  solicit  the 
influence  or  votes  of  others  to  secure  office  for  him, 
even  if,  in  such  circulars  and  such  canvas,  he  avoids 
vilifying  the  character  of  his  competitors.  The 
practice,  if  permitted,  will  surely  lead  to  serious 
trouble,  and  it  ought  not  to  be  permitted  at  all. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  252,  253. 
Sec.  751.     The  entire  work  of  conferring  the  third 
degree  should  be  completed  at  the  meeting  at  which 
it  is  begun.  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  538,  765. 

Sec.  752.  It  is  proper  for  a  Lodge  to  re-refer  any 
subject  of  investigation,  even  after  the  committee 
appointed  to  make  it  has  submitted  a  report,  if  for 
any  reason  further  inquiry  be  desired. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  538,  765. 

Sec.  753.  In  case  of  the  death  of  the  Master  of  a 
Lodge  during  his  term,  the  Senior  Warden  succeeds 
to  the  office  of  Master,  and  can  and  should  assume 
the  duties  of  the  office.  In  such  case  the  Lodge  is 
under  no  obligation  to  apply  for  a  dispensation  to 
fill  the  office.  If,  however,  at  the  request  of  the 
Lodge,  a  dispensation  is  granted,  any  member  of  the 
Lodge  in  good  standing,  and  whose  dues  are  fully 
paid,  is  eligible. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  538,  765. 

Sec.  754.  A  Lodge  may  instruct  its  Master  or 
other  representative  relative  to  voting  upon  any 
proposition  coming  before  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  538,  766. 

Sec.  755.  Neither  one  who  has  lost  an  eye  and 
wears  a  glass  eye  in  its  place,  nor  one  who  has  lost 
the  sight  of  one  eye,  can  be  lawfully  initiated  in 
this  State.     (See  Eegulation  No.  11;  also  Sec.  916.) 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  538,  767. 


486 


Sec.  756.  Masters  of  Lodges  ought  not  to  need  the 
advice  of  the  Grand  Master  to  enable  them  to  deter- 
mine whether  one  who  has  lost  an  eye,  or  arm,  or 
leg,  is  dismembered;  or  whether  a  hunchback  is  de- 
formed; or  whether  a  paralytic  is  hale  and  sound  in 
his  physical  conformation.  (See  Regulation  No.  11; 
also  Sec  921.)  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  538,  768. 

Sec.  757.  An  election  for  officers  of  a  Lodge,  held 
on  any  other  day  than  that  fixed  by  the  Constitu- 
tion, is  illegal  and  void,  unless  authorized  by  special 
dispensation.  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  539,  768. 

Sec.  758.  No  officer  of  a  Lodge  can  be  installed 
by  proxy;  such  act  is  void.     Vol.  XXI,  pp.  539,  768. 

Sec.  759.  The  funds  of  a  Lodge  cannot  be  used 
to  procure  presents  for  retiring  officers. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  539,  768. 

Sec.  760.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  no  author- 
ity to  suspend  one  of  its  by-laws  for  any  purpose 
or  for  any  time.  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  539,  768. 

Sec.  761.  The  extension  of  time  for  the  payment 
of  dues  will  not  entitle  the  delinquent  to  vote  at 
the  election.     (See  Const.,  Sec.  3,  Art.  I,  Part  IV.) 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  539,  768. 

Sec.  762.  When  objection  is  made  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  a  candidate,  the  Master  must  appoint 
a  committee  to  investigate  the  cause  of  objection. 
He  is  not  vested  with  any  discretion  in  the  matter. 
The  language  of  the  Constitution  is  peremptory — 
"Such  objection  shall  be  referred  to  a  committee, 
with  power  to  inquire  into  the  cause  thereof." 

Vol.  XXI,  p.  539,  769. 

Sec.  763.  No  Lodge  can  receive  as  visitors  any 
but  Masons  in  good  standing;  and  one  who,  resid- 
ing in  this  State,  had  been  dimitted  more  than  six 


487 


months  and  has  not  made  application  for  affiliation, 
is  not  in  good  standing.  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  539,  769. 

Sec.  764.  No  Lodge  can  receive  an  application  for 
affiliation  until  the  applicant  has  proven  that  he  is 
a  Master  Mason  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Master; 
but  if  the  applicant  in  such  case  is  unable  to  make 
satisfactory  proof,  he  may  make  application  for  the 
degrees,  and,  if  elected,  may  receive  the  degrees  and 
thus  become  a  member.  See  direction.  The  Com- 
mittee on  Jurisprudence  recommended  that  this 
decision  be  approved — not,  however,  as  a  precedent, 
but  only  as  the  proper  disposition  of  the  case  before 
the  Grand  Master.     (See  Sec.  929.) 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  539,  769. 

Sec.  765.  A  Past  Master,  by  service  of  this  or 
any  other  jurisdiction,  is  competent  to  install  the 
officers  of  a  Lodge  when  the  Lodge  is  under  the 
immediate  charge  of  its  proper  officers. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  540,  770. 

Sec.  766.  When  Trial-Commissioners,  after  finding 
a  verdict  of  guilty,  fail  to  agree  upon  or  refuse  to 
fix  the  penalty,  the  Master  should  discharge  them 
and  order  the  election  of  new  Commissioners  and 
a  new  trial.  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  540,  770. 

Sec.  767.  If  a  vacancy  occurs  in  the  office  of  Sec- 
retary, the  Master  may  appoint  a  brother  to  fill  it 
for  the  unexpired  term.  It  is  not  only  the  privilege, 
but  the  right  of  the  Master  to  appoint  for  the  un- 
expired term,  in  case  of  a  vacancy  of  the  office  of 
Secretary  or  of  any  office  in  his  Lodge  other  than  of 
Master  and  Wardens.  Provision  is  made  in  the  Con- 
stitution in  Sec.  2,  Art.  I,  Part  IV,  for  filling  a 
vacancy  in  either  of  the  offices  of  Master  or  Ward- 
ens; but  no  provision  is  made  in  that  instrument  for 


488 


DECISIONS 


filling  a  vacancy  in  any  other  office.  The  Grand 
Master  may,  in  the  exercise  of  the  executive  func- 
tions of  the  Grand  Lodge  during  its  recess,  grant  a 
dispensation  for  the  election  of  a  Secretary  or  Treas- 
urer, whenever,  upon  the  application  of  the  Lodge, 
there  shall  appear  to  him  to  be  urgent  necessity  for 
such  election;  but,  except  under  peculiar  circum- 
stances, the  Master  should  exercise  the  right  of  ap- 
pointment. (See  Sees.  506  and  869;  also  ^Regulation 
No.  74.)  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  540,  770. 

Sec.  768.  Trial-Commissioners,  in  fixing  the  pen- 
alty for  an  offense  of  which  they  have  found  the 
accused  guilty,  are  not  limited  to  one  or  any  number 
of  ballots.  They  should  continue  to  discuss  the 
matter  among  themselves  and  to  ballot  so  long  as 
there  is  any  reasonable  prospect  of  agreement. 

Vol.  XXI,  pp.  540,  770. 

Sec.  769.  An  application  for  the  degrees  must  be 
made  to  the  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction  the 
applicant  resides,  and  his  place  of  residence  is  the 
place  he  has  selected  for  and  made  his  home.  (See 
Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  Const.;  also,  Sec.  794.) 

Sec.  770.  Connection  with  or  membership  in  any 
particular  religious  denomination,  society  or  sect,  is 
not  a  valid  or  Masonic  cause  of  objection  to  the 
advancement  of  an  Entered  Apprentice  or  Fellow 
Craft.  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  541,  771. 

Sec.  771.  Whenever  the  Grand  Master  is  in- 
formed, no  matter  how,  that  any  Lodge  in  its  action, 
or  any  Master  by  his  ruling,  has  violated  or  disre- 
garded a  landmark  of  the  Order,  his  duty  is  to  in- 
vestigate the  matter  immediately,  and  to  make  such 
orders  in  respect  to  it  as  the  case  may  require,  and 
to  report  it  to  the  Grand  Lodge  that  it  may  take 


DECISIONS  489 

sueh  action  as  will  effectually  prevent  the  recur- 
rence of  such  offending.  Vol.  XXI,  p.  772. 

Sec.  772.  The  simple  non-payment  of  a  debt,  with- 
out some  element  of  fraud,  deceit,  false  pretense,  or 
the  like,  would  not  justify  the  conviction  of  a 
brother  of  a  Masonic  offense.         Vol.  XXI,  p.  729. 

Sec.  773.  On  recommendation  of  the  Committee 
on  Jurisprudence,  General  Eegulations  Nos.  16,  27 
and  45  were  repealed,  and  No.  56  was  adopted  in 
their  stead.  Vol.  XXI,  p.  775. 

Sec.  774.  Be  it  resolved,  By  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
California,  that  the  subordinate  Lodges  of  this  jur- 
isdiction are  hereby  authorized  to  expend,  in  each 
Masonic  year,  a  sum  not  exceeding  ten  per  cent  of 
their  total  revenue  for  the  preceding  Masonic  year, 
for  purposes  of  refreshment  and  the  promotion  of 
fraternal  intercourse;  provided,  no  expenditure 
whatever  shall  be  made  for  spirituous,  malt  or 
fermented  liquors.  (See  Eegulation  No.  57;  also 
Sec.  785.)  Vol.  XXI,  pp.  777,  780. 

Sec.  775.'  On  December  26th,  1894,  the  Grand 
Master  granted  permission  to  the  members  of  On- 
tario Lodge,  No.  301,  to  appear  in  Masonic  alothing 
for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine  service. 

Eeporting  on  the  above  action  of  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter, the  Committee  on  Jurisprudence  say:  "We  are 
constrained  to  disagree  with  him  in  granting  per- 
mission to  Lodges  to  appear  in  the  regalia  of  the 
Order  for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine  service. 
Brethren  should  not  appear  in  public  clothed  in  re- 
galia, except  upon  occasions  which  are  Masonic  and 
in  attending  funerals.  We  are  of  opinion  that  the 
discretion  of  the  Grand  Master  in  granting  such 
permission  should  not  have  been  exercised. "     The 


490 


Grand  Lodge  concurred  in  the  opinion  expressed  by 
the  committee.  Vol.  XXII,  pp.  15,  261. 

Sec.  776.  A  Lodge  is  under  no  obligation  to  con- 
tribute to  the  relief  of  the  widow  of  a  Mason  whose 
dimit  had  expired  some  time,  or  any  time,  prior  to 
the  death  of  the  brother.        Vol.  XXII,  pp.  17,  262. 

Sec.  777.  At  the  annual  election  for  officers  in 
Athens  Lodge,  No.  228,  votes  were  cast  by  members 
who  were  in  arrears  for  dues,  the  votes  were  can- 
vassed and  the  Master  declared  the  officers  elected. 
Prior  to  the  next  stated  meeting  a  brother  insisted 
that  the  Master  should  declare  the  election  illegal. 

The  Grand  Master  decided  the  election  must  stand. 
In  rendering  his  decision  the  Grand  Master  makes 
use  of  the  following  language:  " While  it  is  true, 
under  the  provisions  of  Section  2,  Article  IX  of  the 
Uniform  Code  of  By-Laws  of  Lodges,  delinquents 
should  not  be  permitted  to  vote,  in  this  case,  delin- 
quents having  been  permitted  to  do  so,  would  not 
justify  the  Master  in  declaring  the  election  illegal. " 

In  this  connection,  at  least  referring  to  the  same 
subject,  Woodland  Lodge,  No.  156,  states  that,  '  *  pre- 
vious to  voting  the  Master  announced  that  brethren 
in  arrears  for  dues  were  not  entitled  to  vote. ' ' 
There  were  twenty-six  votes  cast  and  only  twenty- 
two  brethren  present  who  had  paid  their  dues.  In 
view  of  these  facts  the  questions  are  asked:  Was 
the  election  legal?  Has  the  Lodge  a  right  to  install 
the  officers  so  elected! 

In  both  cases  the  Grand  Master  decided  that  the 
elections  must  stand.  Which  determination  we  think 
was  correct. 

It  is  true  that  no  brother,  who  is  in  arrears  for 
dues,  is  entitled  to  vote,  yet  we  are  of  the  opinion 


DECISIONS  491 

that  in  permitting  those  who  are  in  arrears  to  vote, 
the  responsibility  rests  upon  the  Master  solely,  and 
his  irregularity  should  not  vitiate  the  election.  We, 
however,  look  upon  it  as  a  duty,  for  the  benefit  of 
Lodges,  to  say  to  all  Masters  that  they  should  not 
permit  a  brother  to  participate  in  an  annual  election 
unless  he  is  clear  of  the  books. 

Vol.  XXII,  pp.  17,  262. 

Sec.  778.  The  son  of  the  Secretary  of  a  Lodge 
died  and  the  father  was  without  means  to  bury  his 
dead.  The  Master  of  the  Lodge  advanced  the  money 
to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  funeral.  The  Lodge 
objected  to  reimbursing  the  Master  for  the  money 
thus  advanced,  for  the  reason  that  the  Secretary  had 
no  claim  against  the  Lodge,  and  that  the  amount 
should  be  considered  a  loan  upon  the  part  of  the 
Master. 

The  Grand  Master  thought  that  this  was  a  matter 
altogether  proper  for  the  consideration  of  the  Lodge; 
if  its  Secretary,  or  any  other  member,  under  the  cir- 
cumstances stated,  was  unable  to  meet  the  necessary 
expenses  of  burying  the  child,  it  was  the  duty  of 
the  Lodge  to  help  him,  and  it  was  the  duty  of  every 
member  of  the  Lodge  to  see  that  he  received  the 
necessary  assistance.  That  the  .action  of  the  Master 
was  proper,  as  the  representative  of  the  Lodge,  in 
making  the  advance  when  it  was  impracticable  or 
inconvenient  to  call  the  Lodge  together  to  act  upon 
the  case,  and  that  the  Lodge  should  repay  to  the 
Master  the  money  thus  advanced.  If,  however,  the 
money  was  advanced  as  a  loan,  then  the  Lodge  was 
under  no  obligation  to  repay  the  amount. 

The  position  of  the  Grand  Master  is  well  taken 
upon  both  propositions.  From  the  statement  of  the 
matter  we   think  the  Master  acted  for  the  Lodge. 


492 


DECISIONS 


Probably  the  charitable  instinct  of  the  Master, 
which  prompted  him  to  render  the  aid  as  he  did,  was 
not  strictly  in  accordance  with  the  practice  of  the 
Order,  yet  we  should  remember  that  charity  is  one 
of  the  cardinal  principles  of  our  Order,  and  that 
which  is  done  in  the  name  of  charity  is  blessed.  The 
Master  having  rendered  the  relief  we  think  the 
Lodge  should  reimburse  him. 

Vol.  XXII,  pp.  ,18,263. 

Sec.  779.  The  Trustees  of  a  Lodge  made  a  loan 
of  the  funds  of  a  Lodge  to  irresponsible  persons, 
and  which  resulted  in  its  loss.  The  question  is 
asked:  Are  the  Trustees  responsible  for  the  amount? 

The  Grand  Master  thought  that  if  the  Trustees 
exercised  their  best  judgment  in  making  the  loan, 
and  acted  in  good  faith,  they  incurred  no  liability. 
In  other  words,  if  the  Trustees  exercised  that  judg- 
ment which  an  ordinary,  prudent  business  man 
would  with  reference  to  his  own  affairs,  that  no 
liability  would  attach.  We  think  this  is  the  law  of 
the  case  briefly  stated.  Vol.  XXII,  pp.  18,  263. 

Sec.  780.  Question:  Can  the  Tyler  of  a  Lodge, 
he  being  a  member  in  good  standing,  debate  and 
vote  on  questions  before  the  Lodge! 

The  Grand  Master  said  yes,  and  that  it  was  the 
duty  of  the  Master  to  relieve  him  sufficiently  to 
exercise  the  right. 

We  cannot  see  that  the  Tyler,  because  he  has 
taken  upon  himself  the  responsible  duties  of  that 
place,  should  have  favors  extended  to  him  whereby 
he  would  be  released  from  his  obligations  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Lodge.  It  is  not  only  the  right  of  the 
Tyler  to  exercise  all  the  privileges  of  a  member  of 
the  Lodge,  but  it  is  his  duty,  as  well  as  all  members 


decisions  !!»:'» 

of  the  Lodge,  to   participate   in   the  transaction   of 

the  Lodge's  business.  Vol.  XXI  I,  pp.  is,  2<>:>,. 

Sec.   781.      A    person    received    the    degrees   of    Ma 

sonrv  in  an  Eastern  State  some  twenty  years  ago, 
and  shortly  afterwards   renioVed   from   the  jurisdic 

tion  of  liis  [jodgfe,  and  was  suspended  for  non-pay- 
ment  of  dues.  About  fifteen  years  ago  he  came  to 
California  and  has  ever  since  resided  there.  After 
leaving  the  East  he  changed  his  name.  The  Grand 
Master  was  asked  if  a  Lodge  could  receive  a  petition 
signed  by  the  new  name  and  confer  on  him  the 
three  degrees.  The  Grand  Master  answrered  no; 
that  the  candidate  must  place  himself  in  standing, 
by  either  paying  his  dues  or  by  having  the  same  re- 
mitted by  his  Lodge,  and  secure  a  dimit  therefrom. 
After  doing  so,  he  should  make  application  for  mem- 
bership in  the  manner  provided  for  in  our  Constitu- 
tion. This,  your  committee  thinks,  is  the  correct 
procedure.  Vol.  XXII,  pp.  18,  263. 

Sec.  782.  Charges  were  preferred  against  the 
Secretary  of  a  Lodge,  and  the  question  was  asked 
who  should  notify  the  members  of  the  special  meet- 
ing called  to  elect  Commissioners! 

The  Grand  Master  replied  that  the  Secretary 
should  issue  the  notices,  and  act  in  his  official  capa- 
city until  the  Commissioners  were  elected;  then  he 
should  be  temporarily  suspended  from  office,  and  a 
Secretary  pro  tern,  appointed  to  discharge  the  duties 
of  the  office  to  the  conclusion  of  the  trial.  The 
Secretary  is  not  supposed  to  know  against  whom  the 
charges  are  preferred. 

Your  committee  lays  this  down  as  the  proper 
practice.  Vol.  XXII,  pp.  18,  264. 


494 


Sec.  783.  Question:  Is  it  required  that  the  Mas- 
ter-elect shall  be  qualified  to  give  the  work  and  lec- 
ture of  the  Senior  Deacon,  to  be  entitled  to  be  in- 
stalled as  Master? 

The  Grand  Master  thought  not;  so  we  think. 
Though  we  would  suggest  that  the  Master  should 
be  sufficiently  proficient  in  the  work  as  an  entirety 
to  enable  him  to  instruct  his  officers,  as  well  as  to 
correct  them  in  any  mistakes  which  they  might 
make.  Vol.  XXII,  pp.  19,  264. 

Sec.  784.  A  brother  had  for  a  number  of  years 
remained  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues.  He 
became  sick,  and,  thinking  his  life  fast  drawing  to 
a  close,  expressed  a  desire  to  be  restored  by  his 
Lodge,  that  he  might  die  a  Mason  in  good  standing. 
The  request  was  made  known  to  his  Lodge  at  the 
next  stated  meeting  thereof,  when  a  brother  moved 
that  the  delinquent's  dues  be  remitted,  and  the 
motion  was  carried  without  opposition.  Prior  to  the 
next  stated  meeting,  the  Grand  Master  was  asked 
if,  at  that  meeting,  the  vote  by  which  the  dues  were 
remitted  could  be  reconsidered?     He  answered,  No. 

In  another  case,  the  question  as  to  a  reconsidera- 
tion of  the  action  of  the  Lodge  was  referred  to  the 
Grand  Master,  as  follows: — 

"A  brother  was  suspended  for  non-payment  of 
dues  at  the  stated  meeting  in  December,  1894,  the 
Lodge  refusing  to  grant  him  further  time.  At  the 
stated  meeting  in  January,  1895,  a  brother,  who  felt 
aggrieved  at  the  action  of  the  Lodge,  made  the  state- 
ment in  open  Lodge,  'That  he  had  seen  the  Grand 
Master,  and  had  talked  the  matter  over  with  him, 
and  that  the  Grand  Master  would  very  likely  order 
us  to  rescind  our  action,  or  he  would  take  our  char- 
ter.'    Upon  this  statement  being  made,   a  member 


495 


made  a  motion  to  rescind  the  action  of  the  Lodge, 
and  to  remit  the  dues  of  the  brother  to  January  1st, 
1895,  stating,  'that  if  we  had  to  reinstate  the  brother, 
we  had  better  do  it  voluntarily  than  to  be  ordered 
to  do  so  by  the  Grand  Master,  or  lose  our  charter. ' 
The  motion  was  carried,  and  the  brother  was  rein- 
stated. Soon  after  this  action  was  had,  the  Master 
of  the  Lodge  called  on  the  Grand  Master  and  stated 
that  by  reason  of  such  action  the  harmony  of  the 
Lodge  had  been  disturbed,  and  asked  his  advice  as 
to  the  best  way  to  proceed,  with  a  view  of  restoring 
harmony.  The  Grand  Master  assured  the  Master 
that  the  statement  made  as  above  quoted  as  coming 
from  him  was  incorrect.  The  Grand  Master  stated 
to  the  Master  that  the  suspension  of  the  brother  was 
a  matter  with  which  the  Lodge  had  a  perfect  right 
to  deal,  and  that  he  did  not  think  he  had  any  right 
to  interfere.  The  Master  then  asked:  'Can  our 
Lodge  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  brother's 
dues  were  remitted?'  The  Grand  Master  answered 
that  the  Lodge,  having  acted  under  a  misrepresenta- 
tion of  facts,  its  action  might  be  reconsidered." 

The  action  of  the  Grand  Master  in  both  proposi- 
tions was  correct. 

In  the  first  proposition,  under  all  rules,  the  motion 
to  reconsider  would  come  too  late;  and  again,  the 
action  of  the  Lodge  was  in  the  dispensation  of  a 
charity  which  was  commendable.  Further,  the  action 
of  the  Lodge  created,  or  rather  restored  the  brother 
to  a  new  status  in  the  Lodge,  and  conferred  upon 
him  the  rights  of  which  he  could  not  be  deprived 
only  by  his  own  act  in  causing  a  forfeiture,  or  by 
due  process  of  law. 

In  the  second  proposition,  it  is  very  evident  that 
the  action  of  the  Lodge  was  reached  through  a  mis- 


49G 


DECISIONS 


understanding  of  the  facts,  and  the  members  were 
influenced  by  misrepresentations. 

Vol.  XXII,  pp.  19,  264. 

Sec.  785.  Question:  Can  a  Lodge  set  apart,  for 
social  purposes,  money  received  for  rent  of  their 
halls? 

The  Grand  Master  says  No.  Such  funds  are  part 
of  the  revenue  of  the  Lodge,  and  a  sum,  not  exceed- 
ing five  per  cent  of  the  total  revenue  for  the  pre- 
ceding Masonic  year,  can  be  used  for  such  purposes. 

We  think  that  no  greater  latitude  should  be  allowed 
in  the  use  of  the  funds  of  a  Lodge  for  the  purpose 
referred  to  than  is  noticed  in  the  Grand  Master's 
reply.  The  money  referred  to  becomes  a  part  of  the 
funds  of  the  Lodge  as  much  as  though  they  had 
been  received  from  the  payment  of  dues.  We  ap- 
prove of  the  position  taken  by  the  Grand  Master. 
(See  Eegulation  No.  57.)        Vol.  XXII,  pp.  19,  265. 

Sec.  786.  Question:  Can  a  Mason,  holding  a 
dimit,  place  himself  in  standing  by  paying  dues  to 
a  Lodge?    The  Grand  Master  answered,  No. 

Vol.  XXII,  pp.  20,  264. 

Sec.  787.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  desires  that  all 
persons  who  may  be  made  Master  Masons  hereafter, 
shall  be  required  to  pass  an  examination  as  to  their 
proficiency  in  the  degree,  in  open  Lodge,  within  six 
months  after  receiving  the  degree. 

We  are  of  the  opinion  that  this  proposition  is 
impracticable.  Should  this  become  a  regulation  we 
see  no  means  to  compel  its  observance.  The  efficacy 
of  the  law  is  in  the  means  of  enforcing  obedience. 
This  could  not  be  reached.  Self -pride  should  prompt 
a   brother   to   perfect   himself   in   the   work   of   the 


DECISIONS  15)7 

Master's  degree,  but,  it'  lie  neglects  so  to  do,  we  fcre 
utterly  powerless  to  compel   liini. 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  265. 
Sec.  789.  Section  4,  Article  VJH,  Part  I,  provides 
what  contributions  shall  be  paid  as  annual  dues  by 
each  of  the  Lodges,  whether  chartered  or  under  dis- 
pensation, at  the  time  and  in  the  manner  provided 
in  Section  4,  Article  II,  Part  III. 

Sec.  790  has  reference  to  life  membership,  and  is 
not  important.  (See  Sec.  1,  Art.  IX,  of  Uniform 
( lode  of   By-Laws.) 

Sec.  791.  It  must  be  remembered  that  a  Mason 
has  no  right  to  subordinate  Masonry  to  his  own 
business  interests;  he  has  no  right  to  do  any  act 
that  will  reflect  discredit  on  the  Order,  even  though 
it  may  benefit  him  a  little  financially. 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  215. 

Sec.  792.  Any  person,  eligible  to  receive  the  de- 
grees of  Masonry,  may  present  his  petition  for  the 
degrees  to  a  Lodge  other  than  that  Lodge  in  whose 
jurisdiction  he  resides,  by  complying  with  the  pro- 
visions of  Section  2,  Article  III,  Part  III,  of  the 
Constitution,  and  upon  receiving  the  consent  of  a 
majority  of  the  members  present  at  the  time  that 
his  request  is  voted  upon.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  569. 

Sec.  793.  An  applicant  for  the  degrees  of  Ma- 
sonry, who  is  otherwise  worthy  and  well  qualified,  is 
not  ineligible  because  of  a  suspicion  of  African  taint 
in  his  blood.  There  is  no  requirement  in  Masonic 
law,  nor  in  Masonic  tradition,  for  refusing  to  receive 
the  petition  of  a  worthy  applicant,  or  for  refusing 
admission  to  a  Masonic  Lodge  of  a  Mason  of  recog- 
nized good  standing,  merely  because  of  any  par- 
ticular color  of  his  skin.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  569. 


498 


Sec.  794.  Lodge  funds  cannot  be  used  to  purchase 
jewels  for  retiring  officers  or  to  purchase  portraits 
of  such  officers  to  ornament  the  walls  of  a  Lodge- 
room.     (See  Sec.  10  and  Kegulation  No.  59.) 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  569.' 

Sec.  795.  A  retiring  Master  has  no  right  to  de- 
mand or  receive  from  the  funds  of  his  Lodge  any 
sum  whatever  in  return  for  his  services  as  installing 
officer  of  his  successor  in  office. 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  569. 

Sec.  796.  A  Lodge  cannot  lawfully  expend  any 
portion  of  its  funds  to  pay  for  the  experting  of  the 
books  of  a  private  corporation,  even  although  such 
corporation  owns  the  cemetery  in  which  the  Lodge 
buries  the  bodies  of  its  deceased  members. 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  797.  Neither  a  Masonic  Lodge  nor  a  Masonic 
Board  of  Eelief  can  lawfully  donate  twenty  dollars, 
nor  any  other  sum,  to  the  Salvation  Army  for  char- 
itable distribution.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  798.  For  a  Lodge  to  pass  a  resolution  re- 
mitting the  dues  of  all  its  members  for  one  year, 
or  for  any  other  stated  period,  or  to  adopt  a  resolu- 
tion or  general  regulation  whereby  it  appropriates 
a  stated  sum  for  funeral  expenses  for  each  and  every 
member  that  dies,  is  a  misappropriation  of  its  funds. 
The  remission  of  dues  and  funeral  benefits  are  char- 
ities which  should  be  bestowed  on  the  needy  and 
destitute  only. 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  799.  A  Lodge  must  not  negotiate  a  loan  of 
its  funds  on  a  note  and  mortgage  on  the  residence 
premises  of  the  widow  of  a  deceased  Mason.  Ma- 
sonic charity  should  be  direct,  and  should  never  be 


409 


so  conditioned  as  to  endanger  the  forfeiture  of  the 
homestead  of  its  beneficiaries. 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  r,7n. 

Sec.  800.  A  Masonic  Board  of  Relief  is  not  re- 
quired to  extend  its  work  of  charity  beyond  the 
jurisdiction  of  those  Lodges,  of  which  it  is  composed. 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  801.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  no  authority 
or  Masonic  right  to  order  the  Secretary  of  his  Lodge 
to  make  changes  in  the  minutes  of  a  meeting,  after 
the  same  have  been  approved,  until  he  is  duly 
authorized  to  make  such  changes  by  a  vote  of  the 
Lodge  at  a  regular  meeting.         Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  802.  Masonic  emblems  must  not  be  printed 
upon  a  ball  ticket.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  803.  No  Mason  can  be  placed  on  trial  in  his 
Lodge  for  alleged  offenses  against  regulations  of  the 
Order  of  the  Eastern  Star,  or  for  offenses  during 
secret  session  of,  and  relating  to  the  affairs  of  that 
Order  only.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  804.  In  the  construction  of  a  Masonic  Temple, 
or  Hall,  the  Lodge-room  should  not  be  built  upon 
the  ground  floor.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  805.  It  is  contrary  to  Masonic  teachings  and 
Masonic  usage  to  serve  beer,  wine,  or  any  other 
intoxicant  at  a  Masonic  banquet,  given  in  a  Masonic 
Hall.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  806.  The  members  of  a  Lodge  who  assemble 
for  the  sole  purpose  of  attending  religious  services, 
are  not  permitted  to  wear  their  regalia  on  parade  or 
at  church.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  807.  The  non-observance  of  the  first  day  of 
the  week,  either  as  a  day  of  rest  or  for  the  perform- 
ance   of    religious    devotion,    does    not    constitute    a 


500 


Masonic  reason  for  the  rejection  of  an  applicant  for 
the  degrees  of  Masonry.  Masonry  regards  neither 
sect  nor  creed   in   its  religions  requirements. 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  808.  The  widow  of  a  deceased  Master  Mason, 
who  was  in  good  standing  at  the  time  of  his  death 
but  whose  Lodge  has  subsequently  surrendered  its 
charter,  becomes  a  charge,  if  needy,  upon  the  char- 
ities of  the  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction  she 
resides.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  809.  Separate  dispensations  must  be  issued, 
and  separate  fees  paid,  for  each  application  to  re- 
ballot  on  rejected  candidates  for  the  degrees,  even 
though  two  or  more  are  asked  for  by  any  one  Lodge 
at  one  time.     (See  Kegulation  No.  62.) 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  810.  The  act  of  cremating  the  body  of  a  de- 
ceased Mason  does  not  constitute  a  Masonic  burial. 
The  performances  of  the  ceremonies  of  our  ritual  for 
burial  would  not  be  appropriate  on  such  an  occasion. 
(This  decision  has  been  overruled.  See  Sees.  814 
and  858.)  Vol.  XXII,  p.  570. 

Sec.  811.  A  decree  of  suspension  for  non-payment 
of  dues,  because  of  alleged  illness  and  inability  to 
secure  employment,  must  remain  in  force  until  the 
dues  are  paid  or  remitted,  unless  the  Lodge  had 
received  notice  of  inability  to  pay,  accompanied  by 
a  request  for  further  time.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  571. 

Sec.  812.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  Lodge  to  give 
to  its  deceased  members  decent  burial,  and  when 
such  is  done  by  a  sister  Lodge  the  expense  so  in- 
curred should  be  at  once  remitted,  and  the  necessi- 
ties of  the  particular  case  and  no  By-Law  of  a 
Lodge  should  govern  as  to  the  amount. 

Vol.  XXII,  p.  832. 


f)()1 


Sec.  813.  The  mysteries  of  Freemasonry  have,  in 
all  ages  since  the  first  organization  of  this  ancient 
Order,  been  taught  by  tradition  and  Committed  only 
to  the  faithful  breast,  and  all  suggestions  or  propo.- 
sitions  looking  to  a  change  will  he  regarded  as  un- 
masonic  and  denied  consideration  in  the  Grand 
Lodge.  Vol.  XXII,  p.  223. 

Sec.  814.  Any  Master  Mason,  who  may  be  in 
good  standing  at  the  time  of  his  death,  may  direct 
such  disposition  of  his  remains  to  be  made  as  he 
may  see  fit  without  forfeiting  the  honors  of  a 
Masonic  funeral.     (See  Sec.  858.) 

Vol.  XXIII,  p.  233. 

Sec.  815.  An  applicant  who  has  lost  an  eye,  and 
wears  a  glass  eye,  and  is  in  all  other  respects  quali- 
fied, is  not  qualified  to  be  admitted  to  our  Order. 
(But  see  Regulation  No.  11;  also  Sec.  916.) 

Vol.  XXIII,  p.  234. 

Sec.  816  relates  to  pay  of  members  attending 
Grand  Lodge.     (See  Regulations  Nos.  8  and  69.) 

Vol.  XXIII,  p.  234. 

Sec.  817.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  California  will  not 
approve  the  establishing  of  a  Supreme  Grand  Lodge, 
such  action  being  a  violation  of  Section  1,  of  Article 
III,  of  Part  I,  of  the  Constitution. 

Vol.  XXIII,  p.  235. 

Sec.  818.  There  is  no  Masonic  authority  for  the 
practice  of  decorating  the  altar  of  a  Lodge  with  the 
American  flag.  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  237. 

Sec.  819.  The  law  as  expressed  in  General  Regu- 
lation No.  11  is  the  law  of  this  jurisdiction,  and 
must  be  obeyed.  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  238. 

Sec.  820.  Neither  an  Entered  Apprentice  nor  a 
Fellow  Craft  Mason  is,  as  a  right,  entitled  to  relief 
from  the  funds  of  a  Lodge.  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  238, 


502 


Sec.  821.  The  funds  of  a  Lodge  cannot  be  used  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  the  accused  in  a  Masonic 
trial,  nor  to  repay  money  expended  for  attorney's 
foes.  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  238. 

Sec.  822.  A  Lodge  has  no  authority  to  use  its 
funds  to  pay  assessments  on  a  life  insurance  policy, 
even  though  made  out  in  favor  of  the  Lodge,  es- 
pecially where  there  are  grave  doubts  that  the 
amount  of  the  policy  would  be  paid  to  the  Lodge  in 
case  of  the  death  of  the  insured. 

Vol.  XXIII,  p.  238. 

Sec.  823.  A  Lodge  is  not  under  any  moral  obliga- 
tion to  render  financial  assistance  to  the  wielow  of 
a  deceased  Master  Mason,  unless  it  appear  that  she 
is  unable  to  support  herself. 

Vol.  XXIII,  p.  239. 

Sec.  824.  No  Masonic  precedent  is  violated  by  a 
Lodge  in  sending  out  a  printed  folder;  but  the  names 
of  applicants  for  the  degrees  must  not  be  printed 
and  dispersed  in  such  folders.  Neither  should  names 
of  applicants,  when  posted  on  bulletin  boards,  be 
exposed  to  public  view,  except  during  the  times  of 
the  meeting  of  the  Masonic  Lodges  in  whose  hall  the 
names  are  posted.  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  239. 

Sec.  825.  A  lady  claiming  to  be  the  widow  of  a 
deceased  brother  Mason,  where  there  is  no  evidence 
of  her  having  been  such,  should  not  be  recognized 
as  such,  and  is  not  an  object  of  charity  on  the  part 
of  a  Lodge.     (See  Eegulation  No.  64.) 

Vol.  XXIII,  p.  239. 

Sec.  826.  A  worthy  distressed  Mason  who,  at  the 
time  of  his  application  for  aid,  is  in  good  standing 
in  the  Order,  is  a  just  charge  on  Masonic  charity, 
and    on    the    Lodge    within    whose    jurisdiction    he 


503 


resides,  oven  though  his  application  for  membership 
may  have  been  rejected  by  said  Lodge. 

Vol.  XXIII,  p.  240. 

Sec.  827.  The  permission  referred  to  in  Section  3 
of  Article  I,  Part  V,  of  the  Constitution,  cannot  be 
construed  as  a  waiver  of  jurisdiction  until  after  the 
candidate  has  been  elected  by  and  has  received  th~ 
degree  of  Master  Mason  in  the  Lodge  to  which  he 
has  applied.  If  then  a  person  who  had  received  the 
Entered  Apprentice  degree,  or  the  Entered  Appren- 
tice and  the  Fellow  Craft  degrees  in  a  certain 
Lodge,  obtains  permission  to  receive  the  remaining 
degrees  or  degree  in  another  Lodge,  and,  on  appli- 
cation to  said  other  Lodge,  he  should  be  rejected,  he 
continues  to  be  the  material  of  the  Lodge  that 
granted  the  permission.  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  241. 

Sec.  828.  A  brother  who  has  been  refused  ad- 
vancement is  entitled  to  know  only  that  he  has  been 
refused,  that  the  matter  has  been  referred  to  a 
proper  committee,  that  his  rights  have  been  pre- 
served, and  that  the  Lodge  has,  by  a  proper  vote, 
refused  to  advance  him.     (See  Sec.  938.) 

Vol.  XXIII,  pp.  597,  852. 

Sec.  829.  A  person  having  been  elected  to  receive 
the  degrees  may,  at  the  request  of  the  Lodge  in 
which  he  was  elected,  receive  the  three  degrees  in 
another  Lodge.  Vol.  XXIII,  pp.  597,  852. 

Sec.  830.     Charges  may  be  withdrawn  previous  to 
the  commencement  of  a  trial,  but  not  afterwards. 
Vol.  XXIII,  pp.  597,  852, 

Sec.  831.  When  a  brother  has  received  certain 
sums  of  money  as  charity  from  his  Lodge,  the  money 
thus  given  him  cannot  be  charged  to  his  account  as 
dues  or  as  money  due  from  him  to  the  Lodge. 

Vol.  XXIII,  pp.  597,  852. 


501 


DECISIONS 


Sec.  832.  An  amendment  to  the  By-Laws  of  a 
Lodge,  remitting  the  dues  of  all  members  suspended 
for  non-payment  of  dues,  would  be  neither  wise  nor 
constitutional.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  Mason  to  pay 
his  dues  when  financially  able,  but  when  he  can  no 
longer  do  so  his  Lodge,  on  a  proper  showing  made, 
may  either  remit  them  or  extend  the  time  of  pay- 
ment. Having  been  suspended,  a  member  may  be 
reinstated  either  by  the  payment  of  all  arrearages,  or 
his  dues  may  be  remitted  by  the  Lodge;  but  a  by- 
law, the  effect  of  which  would  be  practically  to 
require  no  dues  at  all  from  any  member  after  a  cer- 
tain period  of  delinquency,  would  not  be  constitu- 
tional.    (See  also  Sec.  795.) 

Vol.  XXIII,  pp.  597,  852. 

Sec.  833.  An  Italian  gentleman,  speaking  neither 
English  nor  French,  cannot  receive  the  three  degrees 
of  Masonry  in  a  Lodge  working  in  the  French 
language,  by  the  medium  of  an  interpreter  or  drago- 
man. Vol.  XXIII,  pp.  597,  852. 

Sec.  834.  A  resolution  that  every  application  for 
dues  being  remitted  must  be  made  in  writing  or  in 
person  by  the  delinquent  himself,  stating  his  reasons 
for  his  inability  to  comply  with  the  financial  requisi- 
tions of  the  law  of  the  Lodge,  restricts  the  pro- 
visions of  Section  11  of  Article  III  of  Part  III  of  the 
Constitution,  and  is  therefore  unconstitutional. 

Vol.  XXIII,  pp.  597,  853. 

Sec.  835.  The  Grand  Master  decided  that  an  appli- 
cation to  a  Lodge  for  permission  to  form  a  new 
Lodge  must  be  accompanied  by  a  proper  dimit  in 
the  case  of  each  brother  signing  the  application, 
and  that  no  one  while  a  member  of  a  Lodge  should 
vote  on  his  own  application  to  form  a  new  Lodge. 


505 


In  considering  this  decision  the  Committee  on 
Jurisprudence  say:  "We  agree  with  the  Grand 
Master  so  far  as  the  foregoing  decision  relates  to  the 
propriety  of  a  member  voting  on  his  own  application 
for  permission  to  form  a  new  Lodge  from  the  sub- 
division of  the  Lodge  of  which  be  is  a  member;  but, 
on  the  other  hand,  we  know  of  no  law  or  regulation 
in  Masonry  by  which  a  member  who  is  present  at  a 
meeting,  and  is  in  good  standing  in  his  Lodge,  can 
be  arbitrarily  deprived  of  the  privilege  of  voting  on 
any  and  every  proposition  which  is  submitted  to  the 
vote  of  the  members  of  the  Lodge/'  The  Grand 
Lodge  concurred  in  the  opinion  expressed  by  the 
committee.  Vol.  XXIII,  pp.  597,  853. 

Sec.  836  relates  to  the  matter  of  life  membership. 
(See  Sec.  928,  942  and  943;  also  see  Sec.  1,  Art.  IX, 
of  Uniform  Code  of  By-Laws.) 

Sec.  837.  The  summons  and  charges  must  be 
served  on  an  accused  brother  residing  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  personally,  or  by  leaving 
same  at  his  ordinary  residence  or  place  of  business, 
and  whenever  it  is  necessary  to  make  such  service 
by  mail,  at  least  thirty  days  must  elapse  between  the 
date  of  mailing  and  the  first  meeting  of  Commis- 
sioners. Vol.  XXIII,  p.  813. 

Sec.  838.  In  a  certain  ease  the  Master  ruled  that 
the  Commission  could  not  legally  proceed  wTith  the 
trial  because  the  registered  return  receipt  had  not 
been  received,  and  there  was  no  direct  proof  that  the 
accused  had  been  duly  served,  and  advised  the  Com- 
mission to  postpone  the  meeting.  This  was  done 
and  the  Commissioners  adjourned  to  the  call  of 
the  Master.  This  was  entirely  unnecessary.  A 
service  is  made  and  complete  when  the  charges  and 


r>OG 


copy  of  the  summons  are  placed  in  the  mail  properly 
addressed;  and  though  the  practice  of  registering 
these  letters  and  offering  the  registered  return  re- 
ceipt as  proof  is  a  commendable  one,  it  is  not  neces- 
sary, as  the  certificate  of  service  made  by  the  Secre- 
tary or  other  member  of  the  Lodge  is  sufficient 
proof.  The  practice  of  adjourning  Commission  to 
the  call  of  the  Master  cannot  be  approved;  the 
adjournment  should  be  to  some  certain  and  definite 
time.  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  815. 

Sec.  839.  There  seems  to  be  a  growing  tendency 
in  Masonic  trials,  where  parties  are  represented  by 
attorneys,  to  strictly  apply  the  rules  of  civil  law 
to  evidence  produced  before  the  Commission.  This 
is  wrong;  the  Master  has  no  right  to  exclude  any 
testimony — the  accused  should  have  every  oppor- 
tunity to  present  evidence  to  the  Commission  in  his 
defense,  and  the  Commission  should  judge  its  com- 
petency. Vol.  XXIII,  p.  836. 

Sec.  840.  The  record  should  show  the  vote  upon 
each  specification,  and  upon  the  charge,  and  also  the 
vote  on  the  question  of  penalty. 

'  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  836. 

Sec.  841.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Master,  when 
charges  are  presented,  to  judge  of  their  sufficiency; 
if  insufficient  he  should  refuse  to  entertain  them, 
and  we  know  of  no  rule  which  justifies  the  filing 
of  amended  charges  and  proceeding  with  the  trial 
upon  such  new  charges.  A  brother  must  be  tried 
upon  the  charges  as  originally  presented,  and  to 
which  he  has  been  summoned  to  answer;  if  it 
appears  that  they  are  insufficient  they  should  be 
dismissed  and  the   new  charges   preferred. 

Vol.   XXIII,  p.  837;  also  p.  838. 


DECISIONS  507 

Sec.  842.  The  right  to  the  fees  in  a  controversy 
is  to  be  determined  by  the  constitutional  regulation 
governing  a  waiver  of  jurisdiction,  as  prescribed 
in  Section  2,  Article  III,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitu- 
tion, as  amended  in  1892.  That  section  of  the  Con- 
stitution, at  the  time  of  its  adoption,  repealed  all 
laws  and  decisions  which  conflict  with  its  provisions. 
The  Lodge  which  grants  a  waiver  of  jurisdiction 
over  one  who  is  not  a  Mason  surrenders  all  of  its 
jurisdictional  rights  over  the  person  mentioned,  in- 
cluding its  right  to  receive  his  petition  for  the 
degrees  and  its  right  to  claim  or  demand  the  fees 
which  were  paid  by  the  said  applicant  for  the  de- 
grees in  Masonry.  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  849. 

Sec.  843.  A  brother  who  holds  a  certificate  of  life 
membership  in  a  Lodge  that  has  subsequently  gone 
out  of  existence  occupies  the  relation  to  the  Fra- 
ternity of  a  dimitted  Mason.  His  life  membership 
was  a  special  contract  between  himself  and  his  Lodge. 
When  the  Lodge  ceased  to  exist  his  life  membership 
ceased  also,  and  when  he  affiliates  with  another 
Lodge  he  will  be  required  to  pay  dues  the  same  as 
any  other  member.  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  850. 

Sec.  844  relates  to  the  restoration  of  non-affiliated 
Masons.     (See  Const.,  Sec.  8,  Art.  V,  Part  VI.) 

Sec.  845.  Testimony  at  Masonic  trials  cannot  be 
taken  in  shorthand  writing.      (See  Sec.  495.) 

Vol.  XXIII,  p.  854. 

Sec.  846.  The  pay  of  representatives  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  from  the  respective  subordinate  Lodges  shall 
hereafter  be  an  unlimited  first-class  railroad  fare, 
together  with  stage  fare  and  cost  of  berth  in  sleeper 
when  required.  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  883. 


5.08 


Sec.  847.  The  widow  of  a  Mason,  who  was  in  good 
standing  at  the  time  of  his  death,  is  entitled  to  all 
necessary  assistance  so  long  as  she  remains  his 
widow.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  19,  274. 

Sec.  848.  A  Mason,  residing  in  this  State,  who, 
within  six  months  from  the  issuance  of  his  dimit, 
makes  application  to  some  Lodge  in  the  State  for 
membership,  accompanying  his  application  with  the 
affiliation  fee,  if  any,  required  by  the  by-laws  of 
the  Lodge,  is  kept  in  standing  for  another  six 
months  by  such  application,  although  the  same 
be  rejected,  and,  by  a  new  application  every  six 
months,  he  can  keep  himself  in  standing  indefinitely; 
and  it  is  only  when  he  has  allowed  six  months  to 
elapse  without  an  application  that  he  loses  his  stand- 
ing as  a  Mason  under  the  provisions  of  Sec.  1,  Art. 
II,  Part  V,  of  the  Constitution,  and  is  in  need  of  the 
restoration  provided  for  in  Sec.  8,  Art.  V,  Part  VI, 
of  the  Constitution.     (As  amended,  see  Sec.  .721.) 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  19,  274. 

Sec.  849.  When  the  Grand  Lodge  restores  an  ex- 
pelled brother  to  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
Masonry,  immediately  upon  the  action  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  the  brother  becomes  again,  without  any  action 
on  his  part,  a  Mason  in  good  standing,  entitled  to  all 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry  except  those 
which  are  incident  to  membership  in  a  particular 
Lodge.  He  is,  in  effect,  a  non-affiliated  Mason  in 
good  standing,  and  can  acquire  the  rights  and  priv- 
ileges of  membership  in  a  Lodge  only  by  affiliation 
therewith  upon  petition  and  election  in  the  regular 
mode.  Vol.   XXIV,  pp.  19,  274. 

Sec.  850.  Where  a  Lodge  requests  another  Lodge 
in  this  State  to  confer  a  degree  or  degrees  for  it, 


509 


the  conferring  of  the  degree  is  an  act  of  courtesy  to 
the  Lodge  making  the  request,  and  is  considered  the 
act  of  the  Lodge  preferring  the  request.  There 
is  no  fee  contemplated  by  our  law  for  such  an  act  of 
courtesy  on  the  part  of  one  Lodge  toward  another 
Lodge.  It  would  be  only  fair,  however,  that  the 
Lodge  making  the  request  should  reimburse  the 
Lodge  of  which  the  request  is  made  for  any  expense 
caused  by  the  conferring  of  the  degree.  Where 
degrees  are  so  conferred,  the  brother  becomes  a 
member  of  the  Lodge  making  the  request,  which 
Lodge  will  return  him  as  such  member  and  will 
report  the  degrees  as  if  conferred  by  it  and  pay  the 
Grand  Lodge  fee  therefor. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  19,  274. 

Sec.  851.  One  who  has  been  elected  to  receive 
the  degrees  in  a  Lodge,  and  receives  the  E.  A.  de- 
gree and  then  refuses  to  proceed  further,  is  not 
entitled  to  have  returned  to  him  any  portion  of  the 
fee  for  the  degrees  paid  by  him  at  the  time  of 
application.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  19,  274. 

Sec.  852.  An  E.  A.  Mason  cannot  withdraw  from 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  in  which  lie  has 
received  his  E.  A.  degree.  That  Lodge  retains  juris- 
diction over  him  as  an  E.  A.  Mason,  unless,  by  its 
permission,  he  is  elected  to  receive  the  remaining 
degrees  in  another  Lodge. 

Vol.  XXIV,  p.  20,  274. 

Sec.  853.  When  a  brother,  suspended  for  non-pay- 
ment of  dues  for  a  longer  period  than  two  years, 
pays  all  arrearages  and  seeks  restoration,  the  Con- 
stitution requires  the  Lodge  to  act  upon  his  applica- 
tion for  restoration  at  the  stated  meeting  next  suc- 
ceeding that  at  which  the  same  is  brought  before  the 
Lodge.     The  vote  upon  the  question  of  restoration  is 


510 


required  to  be  by  ballot.  If  the  applicant  does  not 
receive  a  three-fourths  vote  of  the  members  present, 
he  is  not  debarred  from  making  another  application 
at  a  subsequent  stated  meeting.  (See  Sec.  11,  Art. 
Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution.) 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  20,  274. 

Sec.  854.  The  Grand  Master  has  no  power  to 
grant  a  dispensation  to  a  Lodge  to  receive  and  act 
upon  a  petition  for  the  degrees  from  any  person  who 
has  not  resided  in  the  State  twelve  months,  unless 
the  petitioner  is  a  person  belonging  to  the  army  or 
navy  of  the  United  States. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  20,  274. 

Sec.  855.  The  name  of  a  Lodge  cannot  be  changed 
by  an  amendment  to  the  by-laws  of  the  Lodge,  or 
by  any  action  on  the  part  of  the  Lodge.  The  name 
is  assigned  by  the  Grand  Lodge  when  it  orders  the 
issuance  of  a  charter,  the  Constitution  providing  that 
"the  Grand  Lodge  may  order  the  issue  of  a  charter 
to  such  Lodge,  and  asign  it  such  name  and  number 
on  the  registry  as  shall  be  deemed  proper. '  *  Again, 
subordinate  Lodges  have  power  to  amend  their 
by-laws  only  so  far  as  the  same  relate  to  the  time 
of  meeting,  and  the  amounts  of  fees,  dues,  and  dis- 
bursements by  the  Charity  Committee. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  20,  274. 

Sec.  856.  It  is  settled  law  in  this  jurisdiction  that 
a  dispensation  should  not  be  granted  to  a  Lodge, 
authorizing  the  Lodge  to  appear  in  public  in  regalia 
for  the  purpose  of  attending  divine  service. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  20,  274. 

Sec.  857.  The  annual  election  for  officers  of  a 
Lodge  must  be  held  on  the  night  fixed  by  the  by- 
laws for  the  stated  meeting  next  preceeding  the 
anniversary  of  Saint  John  the  Evangelist,  and  can- 


511 


not  be  postponed  to  some  other  time  by  calling  off 
the  Lodge.  Our  Constitution  expressly  provides  that 
no  adjourned  or  called  meeting  shall  ever  be  con- 
sidered as  a  part  of  a  stated  meeting.  If  the  election 
is  not  held  at  the  time  fixed  by  law,  it  can  be  held 
thereafter  only  under  dispensation  issued  by  the 
Grand  Master,  upon  proper  application. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  20,  274. 
Sec.  858.     A  Lodge  may  conduct  the  funeral  ser- 
vice prescribed  by  our  ritual  over  the  remains  of  a 
deceased  brother,  although  cremation  of  the  remains 
is  to  follow.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  20,  274. 

Sec.  859.  A  Lodge  has  the  right,  by  resolution,  to 
provide  for  the  appointment  of  trustees  to  buy,  hold, 
manage  and  sell  its  property,  subject  to  the  control 
and  direction  of  the  Lodge.  Such  a  resolution  would 
not  be  in  contravention  of  anything  contained  in  the 
Constitution  or  Eegulations  of  this  Grand  Lodge  or 
the  Uniform  Code  of  By-Laws. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  20,  274. 

Sec.  860.  Contra  Costa  Lodge,  No.  227,  surrendered 
its  charter,  and  such  surrender  was  approved  and 
accepted  October  15,  1897.  A  member  in  good  stand- 
ing of  that  Lodge  at  such  date,  and  who  had  been 
such  ever  since  1878,  received,  in  December,  1897, 
from  the  Grand  Secretary,  the  certificate  of  his 
standing  provided  for  by  our  Constitution.  On 
March  3,  1898,  he  regularly  applied  to  Friendship 
Lodge,  No.  210,  for  membership,  and  on  April  7, 
1898,  he  was  rejected.  He  again  applied  to  the  same 
Lodge  for  membership  on  December  1,  1898,  and 
was  rejected  January  5,  1899.  He  then  applied  to 
the  Grand  Master  for  information  as  to  his  status, 
and  was  informed  as  follows: — 


512 


"■When  Contra  Costa  Lodge  surrendered  its  char- 
ter, he  became  a  non-affiliated  Mason,  subject  to  the 
provisions  of  Sec.  1,  Art.  II,  Part  V,  of  the  Consti- 
tution. Upon  the  expiration  of  six  months  from  the 
date  of  his  first  application  to  and  rejection-  by 
Friendship  Lodge,  he,  having  neglected  to  again 
make  application  for  membership  to  some  Lodge  in 
the  State,  under  the  provisions  of  that  section,  stood 
suspended  from  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
Masonry.  He  occupied  such  position  at  the  close  of 
the  last  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  when 
the  amendment  to  Sec.  8,  Art.  V,  Part  VI,  of  the 
Constitution,  relating  to  the  restoration  of  such  non- 
affiliated Masons,  became  a  part  of  the  Constitution. 
By  reason  of  such  amendment,  his  election  to  mem- 
bership in  some  Lodge  was  essential  to  a  restoration, 
and  his  application  on  December  1,  1898,  having  re- 
sulted in  a  rejection,  did  not  restore  him.  He  there- 
for still  stood  suspended  from  all  the  rights  and 
privileges  of  Masonry.  (See  Const.,  Sec.  8,  Art.  V, 
Part  VI.)  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  20,  274. 

Sec.  861.  A  dispensation  cannot  be  issued  to  a 
Lodge  to  authorize  it  to  hold  a  new  election  for 
officers,  merely  because  the  result  of  the  annual 
election  is  unsatisfactory  to  the  members.  The 
officers  duly  elected  at  the  time  fixed  by  law  are 
entitled  to  be  installed,  if  they  qualify  and  present 
themselves  for  installation. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  21,  274. 

Sec.  862.  The  mere  fact  that  charges  have  been 
directed  by  a  Lodge  to  be  preferred  against  one  of  its 
members  does  not  deprive  him  of  his  right  to  with- 
draw from  the  Lodge  by  giving  notice  of  his  inten- 
tion so  to  do  at  a  stated  meeting,  and  paying  his 
dues.     Upon   such   withdrawal,   he   is   entitled    to    a 


513 


certificate  of  the  fact  of  such  withdrawal.  But, 
notwithstanding  such  withdrawal,  the  charges  may 
still  be  preferred  against  hi  in  in  the  Lodge  which 
lms  jurisdiction  over  him,  which,  except  in  towns 
or  cities  having  more  than  one  Lodge,  is  the  Lodge 
whoso  place  of  meeting  is  nearer  to  his  residence 
than  that  of  any  other  Lodge  in  the  State. 

Vol.  XXIV,  p.  21,274. 
Sec.  863.     A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  use  any  of  its 
funds  for  the  payment  of  hall  rent  for  a  Chapter  of 
the  Eastern  Star.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  21,  274. 

Sec.  864.  The  word  "State"  means  "Jurisdic- 
tion."    (See  Sees.  4o7  and  569.) 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  21,  274. 

Sec.  865.  Where,  after  election,  and  before  in- 
stallation, the  Secretary-elect,  who  is  also  the  retir- 
ing Secretary,  moves  away  and  becomes  unable  to 
further  perform  the  duties  of  his  office,  a  dispensa- 
tion may  be  issued,  upon  proper  application  by  the 
Lodge,  for  the  election  of  a  new  Secretary,  and  such 
application  would  be  proper  and  advisable.  (See 
Regulation  i\o.  74;  also  Sec.  872.) 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  21,  274. 

Sec.  866.  The  Master-elect  of  a  Lodge  having 
declined  to  accept  the  office,  a  dispensation  was 
granted,  upon  the  application  of  the  Lodge,  for  a 
special  election  for  Master.  Inquiry  was  then  made 
as  to  whether  the  brother  who  had  been  elected, 
and  declined,  was  eligible  to  the  office  at  the  elec- 
tion under  such  dispensation.  The  Grand  Master 
answered  that  if  he  was  in  good  standing  and  his 
dues  were  paid,  he  was  eligible  under  Sec.  3,  of  Art. 
I,  of  Part  IV  of  the  Constitution,  which  makes  every 
voter  eligible  to  any  office  in  the  Lodge,  and  that 


514 


if  the  brethren  saw  fit  to  elect  him  again  he  could 
serve.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  21,  274. 

Sec.  867.  A  claimed  to  have  been  made  a  Mason 
in  Missouri  in  the  year  1860.  The  Lodge  in  which 
he  claimed  to  have  been  made  became  defunct  during 
the  Civil  War.  He  had  withdrawn  therefrom,  re- 
ceiving a  dimit,  which  had  been  lost.  The  records 
of  the  Lodge,  for  the  time  during  which  he  was  a 
member  thereof,  could  not  be  found.  He  was  not 
able  to  prove,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Master  of 
the  Lodge  with  which  he  wished  to  unite,  that  he 
was  a  Master  Mason.  The  Grand  Master  was  asked 
whether  the  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdiction  he 
resided  could  receive  his  application  for  the  degrees, 
he  having  the  qualifications  of  residence,  and 
answered  ' '  Yes. '  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  22,  274. 

Sec.  868.  When  a  member,  suspended  for  non-pay- 
ment of  dues,  who  has  neglected  for  the  period  of 
two  years  to  pay  his  dues,  or  have  the  same  remitted 
by  his  Lodge,  for  the  purpose  of  restoring  himself 
to  standing,  pays  the  amount  necessary  to  restore 
him  under  Sec.  11,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  the  Con- 
stitution and  presents  his  petition  for  restoration, 
and  the  Lodge  denies  such  petition,  it  should  return 
to  the  applicant  the  money  paid  by  him.  (See 
Const.,  Sec.  8,  Art.  V,  Part  VI.) 

Vol.  XXIV,   pp.  22,  274. 

Sec.  869.  A  Lodge  having  elected  a  candidate  to 
receive  the  degrees,  and  having  conferred  the  First 
Degree  upon  him,  requested  Covelo  Lodge  to  confer 
for  it  the  remaining  degrees  upon  him.  Covelo 
Lodge  was  about  to  comply  with  this  request,  when 
a  Master  Mason  in  good  standing,  who  was  not  a 
member  of   either  Lodge,  objected  to   the   advance- 


515 


ment  of  the  brother.  Covelo  Lodge  then  inquired  ;is 
to  its  proper  course  in  the  matter.  The  Grand 
Master  answered,  that  as  Covelo  Lodge  was  simply 
acting  for  the  Lodge  making  the  request,  no  one  but 
a  member  of  such  requesting  Lodge  could  interpose 
the  objection  to  advancement  provided  for  by  Sec. 
<i.  Art.  III.  I\'ii't  III,  Constitution.  Said  section  was, 
therefore,  not  applicable,  and  the  objection  inter- 
posed had  no  legal  force.  He  advised  further,  in 
substance,  that  if  it  came  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
Master  of  the  Covelo  Lodge,  from  any  source,  that  a 
valid  and  Masonic  cause  existed  why  the  brother 
should  not  be  advanced,  his  duty  to 'the  Craft  and 
to  the  Lodge  making  the  request  demanded  that  he 
should  delay  further  proceedings  and  acquaint  the 
requesting  Lodge  with  the  facts. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  22,  274. 
Sec.  870.  There  is  no  provision  of  our  laws  that  in 
terms  makes  the  receiving  of  the  Past  Master's  De- 
gree a  condition  precedent  to  installation.  In  conform- 
ity with  custom  the  Master-elect  should,  wherever 
practicable,  receive  the  degree  in  the  manner  pro- 
vided by  General  Eegulation  No.  1,  but  he  can 
legally  be  installed  without  having  received  it. 
(Regulation  No.  73.)  Vol.  XXIV,  p.  22,  274. 

Sec.  871.  A  person  made  a  Mason  in  a  subordin- 
ate Lodge  of  the  Gran  Dieta  Simbolica  of  Mexico, 
and  who  dimitted  therefrom  a  year  prior  to  the 
recognition  of  the  Gran  Dieta  by  the  Grand  Lodge 
F.  and  A.  M.  of  California,  who  presents  such  dimit 
to  some  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  and  who  proves 
to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Master  of  such  Lodge 
that  he  is  a  Master  Mason,  is  eligible  to  member- 
ship by  affiliation  in  such  Lodge. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  23,  274. 


516 


DECISIONS 


Sec.  872.  When  a  vacancy  occurs  in  the  office  of 
Secretary  of  a  Lodge  the  Master  should  appoint  a 
brother  to  fill   the  office  for  the  unexpired  term. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  23,  274. 

Sec.  873.  When  a  member  of  a  Lodge  voluntarily 
withdraws  therefrom  in  the  manner  provided  by  the 
Constitution,  he  becomes,  as  a  matter  of  right,  en- 
titled to  receive  a  certificate  of  the  fact  of  such 
withdrawal,  without  a  recommendatory  certificate, 
and  no  vote  of  the  Lodge  is  essential  to  authorize 
the  issuance  thereof.  This  paper  is  a  "proper 
dimit, "  in  the  sense  in  which  that  expression  is 
used  in  Sec.  13,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  Constitution,  and 
would  enable  a  brother  to  affiliate  with  another 
Lodge,  if  the  brethren  thereof  are  willing  to  elect 
him.  But  one  who  voluntarily  withdraws  is  not 
entitled,  as  a  matter  of  right,  to  a  recommendatory 
certificate;  that  can  be  given  him  only  by  a  vote  of 
a  majority  of  the  members  of  the  Lodge  then  pres- 
ent, and  it  lies  wholly  with  the  members  to  deter- 
mine whether  such  certificate  shall  issue,  and  the 
brother  withdrawing  cannot  compel  the  issuance 
thereof.      (See  Regulation  No.  75;  also  Sec.  874.) 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  23,  277. 

Sec.  874.  On  November  8,  1897,  at  a  stated  meet- 
ing of  Anaheim  Lodge,  No.  207,  a  member  of  that 
Lodge,  in  writing,  asked  for  his  dimit  from  the 
Lodge.  He  was,  at  the  time,  in  good  standing  and 
his  dues  were  paid.  The  Lodge  accepted  such 
request  as  a  notice  of  withdrawal  by  the  member, 
and,  by  its  order,  a  certificate  of  the  fact  of  his 
withdrawal,  in  the  form  prescribed  in  our  Consti- 
tution (Art.  Ill,  Part  VII)  without  recommendatory 
certificate,  was  issued  to  him,  and  the  Lodge  placed 
him    upon    the    list    of    members    withdrawn.       The 


DECISIONS  517 

brother  accepted  the  certificate  of  withdrawal  so 
issued,  and  it  was  the  understanding  of  all  con- 
cerned that  he  had  withdrawn.  More  than  six 
months  thereafter  he  applied  to  another  Lodge  in 
this  State  for  membership  by  affiliation,  accompany- 
ing his  application  with  the  certificate  of  with- 
drawal. That  Lodge  improperly  refused  to  accept 
the  certificate  as  a  dimit,  on  account  of  the  absence 
of  the  recommendatory  certificate.  The  brother  had 
not,  prior  to  this,  been  aware  of  the  fact  that  there 
was  any  other  form  of  certificate  of  withdrawal 
than  the  one  he  had  received.  In  March,  1899,  the 
brother  returned  the  certificate  of  withdrawal  to 
Anaheim  Lodge,  saying,  "I  decline  to  accept  it  as  a 
dimit,  and  now  renew  my  application  for  a  dimit 
upon  the  regular  forms,  and  containing  a  clause  of 
recommendation  to  other  Lodges. '  ? 

Upon  these  facts,  the  Grand  Master  was  asked  as 
to  whether  the  brother  was  still  a  member  of  Ana- 
heim Lodge,  and  answered,  "No."  (See  also  Eegu- 
lation  No.  75.)  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  23,  278. 

Sec.  875.  At  a  ballot  had  upon  an  application  for 
the  degrees,  a  brother  who  was  in  arrears  for  dues 
for  more  than  six  months,  but  who  had  not  been 
declared  suspended,  voted.  The  ballot  being  unfav- 
orable, the  Grand  Master  was  asked  if  the  same 
could  not  be  declared  illegal  on  the  ground  that  the 
brother  was  not  entitled  to  vote.  His  answer  was, 
"No.  The  ballot  was  legal.  The  brother  not  hav- 
ing been  declared  suspended  was  still  a  member  of 
the  Lodge,  and  it  was  not  only  his  right,  but  his 
duty,  to  vote  upon  a  ballot  for  the  degrees.'7 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  24,  274. 

Sec.  877.  Under  the  provisions  of  our  Constitu- 
tion   and    Code    of    By-Laws,   a   brother    who    is   in 


518 


arrears  for  dues  at  the  time  of  the  annual  election 
and  who  has  been  granted  an  extension  of  time  for 
the  payment  of  the  same,  is  ineligible  to  office  in  the 
Lodge.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  24,  274. 

Sec.  878.  The  daughter  of  a  Master  Mason  is 
entitled  to  receive  assistance  from  Masons,  if  she 
be  in  need,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  she  is  the 
widow  of  one  who  was  not  a  Mason.  The  fact  that 
she  has  been  married  makes  her  no  less  the  daughter 
of  a  Master  Mason,  and  as  such  she  is  entitled  to 
our  consideration.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  24,  274. 

Sec.  879.  One  who  has  been  elected  to  receive  the 
degrees  in  a  Lodge  is  not  entitled  to  have  the  fee, 
paid  by  him  therefor,  returned  in  the  event  that  he 
does  not  receive  the  degrees,  so  long  as  the  Lodge 
is  willing  and  ready  to  confer  them. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  24,  274. 

Sec.  880.  Pending  action  by  the  Lodge  upon  the 
application  for  membership  by  affiliation  of  one 
who,  by  reason  of  refusal  or  neglect  to  apply  for 
more, than  six  months,  is,  under  Sec.  1,  Art.  II,  Part 
VI,  Constitution,  suspended  from  all  Masonic  rights 
and  privileges.  Such  applicant  is  not*  entitled  to 
visit  the  Lodge,  or  to  any  Masonic  right  or  priv- 
ilege, as,  under  the  amendment  to  the  Constitution 
adopted  in  1898,  he  is  not  restored  until  elected  to 
membership.     (See  Const.,  Sec.  8,  Art.  V,  Part  VI.) 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  24,  274. 

Sec.  881.  If,  subsequent  to  election  but  prior  to 
initiation,  it  is  discovered  that  an  applicant  for  the 
degrees  is  ineligible  by  reason  of  physical  disqualifi- 
cation, the  Master  should  not  proceed  with  the  in- 
itiation. In  such  event,  the  application  may  be 
directed    to   be   withdrawn   for   physical    disability, 


DECISIONS  ~>]|) 

and  the  applicant  must  be  returned  the  fees  paid  by 
him.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  24,  274. 

Sec.  882.  The  resolution;  levying  a  per  capita  tax 
for  the  support  and  maintenance  of  the  Masonic 
Widows'  and  Orphans'  Home,  adopted  at  the  Com- 
munication of  1898,  requires  that  each  Lodge,  char- 
tered or  under  dispensation,  shall,  in  payment  of 
such  tax,  accompany  its  annual  report  with  the  sum 
of  one  dollar  for  each  Master  Mason  borne  upon  its 
roll.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  25,  274. 

Sec.  883.  In  the  absence  of  the  Master  and  both 
Wardens  of  a  Lodge,  the  Lodge  cannot  be  opened. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  25,  274. 

Sec.  884.  A  resident  of  San  Francisco,  California, 
while  temporarily  within  the  State  of  Oregon,  made 
application  for  the  degrees  to  a  Lodge  therein,  and 
was  elected  and  initiated.  He  returned  to  San 
Francisco,  and  the  Oregon  Lodge  requested  a  San 
Francisco  Lodge  to  confer  the  remaining  degrees 
for  it.  The  San  Francisco  Lodge,  in  compliance  with 
such  request,  conferred  the  Second  Degree.  It  was 
then  ascertained  by  the  San  Francisco  Lodge  that 
the  candidate  was  a  resident  of  San  Francisco  at 
the  time  of  his  application  to  the  Oregon  Lodge  and 
his  election  and  initation  therein.  The  Grand 
Master  was  asked  if  the  San  Francisco  Lodge  could 
legally  proceed,  having  such  knowledge,  to  confer 
the  Third  Degree  for  the  Oregon  Lodge,  and  he 
ruled  that  it  could  not  do  so,  citing  Sec.  19,  Art.  Ill, 
Part  III,  of  our  Constitution. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  25,  274. 

Sec.  885.  A  resident  of  an  Eastern  State,  a  mem- 
ber of  a  Lodge  therein,  dimitted  from  his  Lodge 
some  eight  years  ago,  and  has  never  since  sought  to 


520 


affiliate.  For  more  than  two  years  of  that  time  he 
resided  in  Arizona,  where  there  is  substantially  the 
same  constitutional  provisions  regarding  non-affili- 
ates as  our  own  provision.  Subsequently  he  removed 
to  California,  where  he  has  not  as  yet  completed  his 
first  six  months  of  residence.  No  charge  of  un- 
masonic  conduct  has  ever  been  preferred  against 
him.  The  Grand  Master  was  asked  if  he  should  be 
held  to  be  in  good  standing,  and  answered,  ' '  Yes. 
The  six  months  prescribed  in  Sec.  1,  Art.  II,  Part 
V,  of  our  Constitution,  do  not  begin  to  run  until 
the  non-affiliate  becomes  a  resident  of  California, 
and  the  date  of  the  dimit  is  immaterial.  Neither  the 
provision  of  our  own  Constitution  above  cited  nor 
a  like  provision  in  the  Constitution  of  any  other 
jurisdiction,  can  be  construed  as  having  any  extra- 
territorial effect.  >  >  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  25,  274. 

Sec.  886.  Inquiry  was  made  by  the  San  Francisco 
Board  of  Relief  as  to  the  meaning  of  the  words 
' ( Masonic  Jurisdiction, ' '  and  * '  no  attention  is  paid 
to  reimbursing,"  contained  in  the  recommendation 
of  the  Finance  Committee  embraced  in  the  report 
of  that  committee  to  the  Grand  Lodge  at  its  last 
Communication:  "That,  hereafter,  no  allowance  be 
made  by  this  Grand  Lodge  to  any  Board  of  Relief 
who  maintains  and  grants  regular  weekly  or  monthly 
stipends  to  those  who  are  from  a  Masonic  Jurisdic- 
tion where  no  attention  is  paid  to  reimbursing  the 
Board  of  Relief  making  such  expenditures."  In 
reply  thereto,  the  Grand  Master  answered  as  fol- 
lows:— 

"While  it  rests  entirely  with  the  Grand  Lodge  to 
determine  what,  if  any,  assistance  shall  be  given  by 
it  to  the  various  Boards  of  Relief  to  aid  them  in 
their  local   work,  I   cannot   believe   that   the   Grand 


DECISIONS  52] 

Lodge  of  California  will  ever  impose  any  penalty 
upon  any  Board  of  Relief,  or  subordinate  Lodge, 
simply  because  it  has  given  necessary  assistance  to 
any  Mason,  his  widow  or  orphan,  in  distress,  within 
its  jurisdiction,  wherever  he  or  she  may  hail  from, 
and  whatever  may  be  the  attitude  of  the  jurisdiction 
from  which  he  or  she  may  come,  as  to  reimburse- 
ment. If  so,  it  will  certainly  be  contrary  to  what 
we  have  hitherto  been  taught  as  to  our  duty  toward 
our  distressed  brother,  his  widow  and  orphans.  The 
doctrine  that  a  Mason  must,  so  far  as  he  can,  relieve 
a  distressed  brother  Mason,  is  as  old  as  Masonry, 
and  is  one  of  the  foundation  stones  of  the  Insti- 
tution. We  cannot  disregard  it  without  putting 
ourselves  beyond  the  pale  of  Masonry.  There  are 
certain  fundamental  laws  that  are  a  part  of  'the 
body  of  Masonry, '  and  cannot  be  changed,  and  this 
is  one  of  them.  Our  Constitution  recognizes  the 
fact  that  the  Grand  Lodge  is  limited  in  power  by  a 
strict  adherence  to  the  ancient  landmarks  of  the 
Order.  I  must  hold  that  the  recommendation  in 
question  has  in  no  degree  lessened  the  obligation 
of  the  Masons  of  San  Francisco  and  of  their  agent, 
your  Board  of  Eelief,  to  extend,  so  far  as  in  their 
power  lies,  all  necessary  assistance  to  distressed 
brother  Masons,  their  widows  and  orphans,  within 
their  jurisdiction,  regardless  of  whether  the  jurisdic- 
tion from  which  they  hail  reimburses  them  or  not. 
While  we  may  justly  claim  that  the  jurisdiction 
to  which  the  distressed  brother  belongs  should 
reimburse  us,  if  able  so  to  do,  its  neglect  to  perform 
what  we  may  consider  its  duty,  in  no  degree  lessens 
our  duty  to  the  distressed.  Looking  at  the  matter  in 
this  light,  the  questions  asked  as  to  the  meaning  of 
certain  words  contained  in  the  recommendation  are 
immaterial.  >  '  VoL  XXIY,  pp.  25,  274. 


522 


Sec.  887.  A  Master  Mason's  daughter,  who  is  the 
wife  of  one  not  a  Mason,  and  whose  husband  has 
deserted  her,  leaving  her  in  need,  is,  as  the  daughter 
of  a  Master  Mason,  entitled  to  relief  at  the  hands  of 
Masons.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  26,  274. 

Sec.  888.  In  the  case  of  one  Bro.  George  West, 
who  had  been  elected  to  receive  the  degrees  of 
Masonry  by  Liberty  Lodge,  No.  299,  and  after  re- 
ceiving the  First  Degree  had  removed  to  Honolulu, 
Hawaiian  Islands,  said  Liberty  Lodge,  among  other 
resolutions,  adopted  the  following:  "Resolved, 
That  Hawaiian  Lodge,  No.  21,  F.  and  A.  M.,  of 
Honolulu,  is  hereby  fraternally  requested  to  confer 
upon  said  Bro.  West  the  Second  and  Third  Degrees 
of  Masonry  without  expense  to  Liberty  Lodge." 

Hawaiian  Lodge  conferred  the  degrees  upon  Bro. 
West.  He  thereupon  signed  the  By-laws  of  Ha- 
waiian Lodge,  and  was  claimed  by  said  Lodge  as  a 
member  thereof.  Liberty  Lodge  having  made  com- 
plaint to  the  Grand  Master,  he  decided: — 

1st.  That  Hawaiian  Lodge  had  no  authority  to 
confer  the  Second  and  Third  Degrees  upon  Bro. 
West  except  on  behalf  of  and  as  an  act  of  courtesy 
to  Liberty  Lodge,  and  that  the  resolution  adopted 
by  Liberty  Lodge  constituted  a  request  that  it  so 
confer  them. 

2d.  Having  conferred  such  degrees,  Hawaiian 
Lodge  must  be  held  to  have  acted  under  such  re- 
quest, and.  Bro.  West  must  be  deemed  to  be  a  mem- 
ber of  Liberty  Lodge.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  26,  274. 

Sec.  889.  No  brother  will  be  permitted  to  resign 
from  Masonry,  or  renounce  the  Order.  He  may 
withdraw  from  the  particular  Lodge  in  which  he 
holds  membership,  but  for  him  to  even  attempt  to 


DECISIONS  523 

renounce  Masonry  is  an  offense  and  should  be  pun- 
ished. Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  641j  *i>(.». 

Sec.  890.  A  Lodge  in  California  may,  at  the 
request  of  any  Lodge  in  this  State,  or  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  any  other  Grand  Lodge  recognized 
as  legitimate  by  this  Grand  Lodge,  confer  any  or  all 
of  the  three  degrees  upon  a  candidate  elected  by  the 
Lodge  making  the  request.  (See  also  Constitution, 
See.   2,  Art,  T,  Part  V.     Amended  in  1902.) 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  64,  899. 

Sec.  891.  A  petition  for  degrees  is  received  when 
a  Lodge  decides  by  its  vote  to  receive  it,  or  when, 
as  is  quite  customary,  it  shall,  in  the  absence  of  any 
objection,  be  declared  by  the  Master  to  be  received, 
and  after  such  petition  shall  have  been  referred  to 
a  committee,  it  cannot  be  withdrawn,  except  as  pro- 
vided in  Section  3  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  of  our  Con- 
stitution. Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  641,  899. 

Sec.  892.  A  brother  who  has  dimitted  from  his 
Lodge,  and  has  lost  his  dimit  or  certificate  of  with- 
drawal, is  entitled,  at  any  subsequent  time,  on  ap- 
plication, to  receive  a  duplicate  dimit,  dated  as  of 
the  time  when  the  original  was  issued,  which  dupli- 
cate dimit  will  only  entitle  the  brother  to  the  rights 
which  he  had  under  the  original. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  641,  899. 

Sec.  893.  At  the  installation  of  a  Master-elect  an 
opportunity  is  given  to  object  to  the  installation, 
and  if  such  objection  is  made,  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
installing  officer  to  inquire  into  the  reasons  urged  by 
the  brother  objecting.  Should  it  appear  on  inquiry 
that  the  reasons  are  proper  ones  upon  which  to  base 
charges,  then  for  the  reason  that  the  pendency  of 
eharges  does  not  prevent  the  installation  of  a  Master- 
elect,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  installing  officer  to  proceed 


524 


DECISIONS 


with  the  installation.  It  would  be  a  very  extra- 
ordinary state  of  facts  which  would  justify  the 
installing  officer  in  refusing  to  install  a  Master  who 
has  been  duly  elected  by  the  Lodge  and  presents  the 
proper  certificate  of  qualification. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  642,  900. 

Sec.  894.  Lodge  funds  cannot  be  divided  between 
the  Lodge  and  members  therof  who  withdraw  for 
the  purpose  of  forming  a  new  Lodge,  nor  can  they 
be  divided  with  the  new  Lodge  when  formed. 

Vol.  XXIV,  p.  642,  900. 

Sec.  895.  A  Past  Master  of  a  Lodge  which  merges 
its  existence  by  consolidating  with  another  Lodge 
has  the  same  standing  as  a  Past  Master  of  the  new 
Lodge  created  by  the  consolidation  as  he  had  in  the 
Lodge  merging  its  existence. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  642,  900. 

Sec.  896.  Every  legally  constituted  life  member  of 
either  of  the  Lodges  consolidated  is  a  life  member 
of  the  Lodge  formed  by  the  consolidation  of  such 
Lodges.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  642,  900. 

Sec.  897.  The  Constitution  permits  Lodges  which 
consolidate  to  take  the  name  and  number  of  either 
Lodge,  or  the  name  of  one  Lodge  and  the  number 
of  another  Lodge,  but  the  Lodges  canot  by  consoli- 
dation change  the"  name  of  the  new  Lodge  formed 
to  one  different  from  that  of  either  of  the  Lodges 
consolidated.  The  Grand  Lodge  can  alone  change 
the  name  of  any  Lodge. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  642,  900. 

Sec.  898.  As  any  one  of  the  Lodges  having  con- 
current jurisdiction  over  a  person  may  receive  his 
petition,  elect  him  and  confer  the  degrees  of  Masonry 
upon  him,  so  any  one  of  such  Lodges  may  waive 
jurisdiction  in  the  manner  prescribed  by  the   Con- 


DECISIONS  .)_:.) 

stitution  and  authorize  another  Lodge  to  receive  n ml 
net  upon  the  application. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp. 648, 903. 

Sec.  899.  When  a  Lodge  within  this  State  con- 
iVrs  the  degrees  of  Masonry  upon  a  candidate  at  the 
request  of  a  Lodge  in  another  jurisdiction  recognized 
as  legitimate  by  this  Grand  Lodge,  the  Regulations 
of  that  jurisdiction  in  relation  to  physical  qualifica- 
tions will  control,  and  any  questions  as  to  the  eligi- 
bility of  the  candidate  upon  this  ground  must  be 
decided  by  the  requesting  Lodge.  Should  the  candi- 
date, however,  appear  to  be  ineligible  under  our 
laws,  it  would  be  prudent  to  request  a  distinct  ruling 
from  the  Lodge  requesting  to  have  the  degrees  con- 
ferred upon  him  before  proceeding. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  642,  900. 

Sec.  900.  A  Lodge  must  be  convened  in  stated 
meeting  for  business  at  the  hour  and  on  the  day 
fixed  by  the  By-Laws,  and  under  no  circumstances 
has  the  Master  or  any  other  officer  authority  to  open 
the  Lodge  for  business  at  an  earlier  hour,  because 
by  so  doing  a  brother  relying  on  the  By-Laws  and 
desiring  to  take  part  in  the  business  of  the  meeting 
might  be  deprived  of  his  right  to  do  so,  and  any 
business  transacted  at  such  meeting  before  the  time 
fixed  in  its  By-Lawrs  is  voiel  and  of  no  effect. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  642,  900. 

Sec.  901.  When  a  elispensation  has  been  granted 
to  ballot  for  and  confer  the  elegrees  upon  a  candidate 
without  reference  to  a  committee,  or  to  receive  and 
act  upon  the  petition  of  a  rejected  applicant  within 
twelve  months  after  the  date  of  such  rejection,  the 
meeting  to  be  held  under  such  dispensation  may  be 
either  a  stated  or  special  meeting;  provided,  how- 
ever, that  notice  thereof  and  of  such  balloting  be 
given  to  every  member.        Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  642,  900. 


526 


DECISIONS 


Sec.  902.  When  a  dispensation  has  been  issued  to 
a  Lodge  to  ballot  for  and  confer  the  degrees  upon  a 
candidate  without  reference  to  a  committee,  or  to 
receive  and  act  upon  the  petition  of  a  rejected  ap- 
plicant within  twelve  months  after  the  date  of  such 
rejection,  the  notice  to  be  given  under  the  provisions 
of  the  Constitution  should  not  state  the  name  of  the 
candidate.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  643,  901. 

Sec.  903.  While  this  Grand  Lodge  has  not  deemed 
it  wise  to  establish  army  Lodges,  so-called,  with 
authority  to  hold  meetings  and  confer  the  degrees 
in  such  place  or  places  as  the  regiment  to  which  it  is 
attached  may  be  stationed  while  engaged  in  actual 
warfare,  yet  it  does  not  question  the  right  of  other 
legitimate  Grand  Lodges  to  establish  such  army 
Lodges  during  times  of  war  attached  to  regiments 
formed   in   their  respective   jurisdictions. 

Vol.  XXIV,  p.  643,  901. 

Sec.  904.  Any  brother  receiving  the  first  degree, 
or  first  and  second  degrees,  in  a  regularly  created 
army  Lodge,  which  has  ceased  to  exist,  may  apply 
to  be  advanced  to  the  higher  degree  or  degrees, 
provided  his  application  be  accompanied  by  the  usual 
fee  for  the  remaining  degree  or  degrees  required  by 
the  By-Laws,  and  by  certificate  under  seal  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  creating  such  army  Lodge,  that  it  wras 
acting  regularly  and  with  lawful  authority,  and  that 
the  brother  was  an  Entered  Apprentice  or  Fellow 
Craft  thereof  at  the  time  such  Lodge  ceased  to  exist; 
but  if  such  brother  was  at  the  time  he  received  the 
degree  or  degrees  a  resident  of  this  State,  his  appli- 
cation must  be  made  to  the  Lodge  nearest  his  place 
of  residence,  and  his  election  upon  such  application 
will  satisfy  our  Constitutional  provision,  for  by  it 


the    proper   Lodge    will    have    received    him   as   an 
Entered  Apprentice  or  Fellow  Craft. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  643,  901. 

Sec.  905.  Any  brother  receiving  the  three  degrees 
of  Masonry  in  a  regularly  created  army  Lodge  which 
has  ceased  to  exist,  may  apply  for  affiliation  in  a 
Lodge  in  this  State,  but  such  petition  must  be  ac- 
companied by  the  fee  for  affiliation  required  by  its 
By-Laws,  if  any,  and  by  a  certificate  under  seal  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  creating  such  army  Lodge,  that  the 
Lodge  was  legally  created  and  acting  under  lawful 
authority,  and  that  the  brother  was  a  member  thereof 
in  good  standing  at  the  time  such  Lodge  ceased  to 
exist.  And  if  such  brother  was,  at  the  time  he 
received  the  degrees,  a  resident  of  this  State,  he 
must  apply  to  the  Lodge  nearest  his  place  of  resi- 
dence, and  his  election  by  such  Lodge  will  satisfy 
our  Constitutional  provision,  for  by  it  the  proper 
Lodge  will  have  received  him  as  a  member. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  643,  901. 

Sec.  906.  When  a  Lodge  receives  an  application 
from  a  person  who  has  resided  within  its  jurisdiction 
for  the  period  required  by  the  Constitution,  and  the 
application  has  been  referred  to  a  committee,  the 
removal  of  the  applicant  from  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Lodge  before  balloting  upon  the  application  does 
not  change  the  rule  that  it  cannot  be  withdrawn; 
the  applicant  must  be  balloted  for,  and  if  elected, 
the  Lodge  may  request  any  other  Lodge  near  the 
candidate's  place  of  residence  to  confer  the  degrees 
if  convenience  require.         Vol.  XXI V,  pp.  643,  901. 

Sec.  907.  When  a  brother  has  been  elected  to 
receive  the  three  degrees,  and  shall  have  received 
the  first  degree,  or  the  first  and  second  degrees,  in 
one    Lodge,    and,    permission    having   been    granted, 


528 


shall  be  elected  to  receive  the  remaining  degree  or 
degrees  in  another  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction,  an 
objection  to  his  advancement  must  be  referred  to  a 
committee,  for  it  must  take  the  same  course  and  is 
governed  by  the  same  law  as  any  other  objection  to 
advancement.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  644,  901. 

Sec.  908.  When  charges  of  unmasonic  conduct 
have  been  preferred  against  a  Master  Mason  in  his 
own  Lodge  by  one  not  a  member  thereof,  and  after 
trial  the  accused  is  sentenced  to  reprimand,  the  ac- 
cused is  not  entitled  to  be  present  at  the  meeting 
when  the  result  of  the  trial  is  announced  or  at  the 
meeting  when  the  sentence  is  carried  into  effect, 
but  he  is  entitled  to  notice  of  the  result  of  the  trial 
so  that  he  may  appeal,  if  he  desires  to,  before  the 
reprimand  is  administered. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  644,  902. 

Sec.  909.  When  after  trial  the  accused  is  found 
guilty  and  the  penalty  inflicted  by  the  commission  is 
reprimand,  under  our  Constitution  the  result  must 
be  announced  at  the  next  stated  meeting  of  the 
Lodge.  But  the  sentence  of  reprimand  must  not  be 
carried  into  effect  until  the  next  stated  meeting  to 
be  held  after  the  announcement  of  the  result  of  the 
trial,  in  order  that  neither  the  accuser  nor  the 
accused  may  be  deprived  of  his  right  to  appeal. 
Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  644,  902. 

Sec.  910.  It  is  a  very  grave  Masonic  offense  for  a 
Mason  to  make  a  public  or  even  a  private  declaration 
that  he  does  not  believe  in  the  existence  of  .God. 
Charges  should  be  at  once  preferred  against  such  a 
one,  and,  if  found  guilty,  he  should  be  expelled 
from  the  Order.  '  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  644,  902. 

Sec.  911.  A  Lodge  should  not  suspend  one  of  its 
members  for  non-payment  of  dues  who  has  been  ad- 


DECISIONS  .)J,.» 

mitted  on  its  application  to  the  Masonic  Home,  but 
knowing,  as  it  must,  that  such  member  is  unable  to 
pay  his  dues,  it  can  and  should  remit  them  without 
any  request,  written  or  oral,  from  the  member  him- 
self. Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  644,  902. 

Sec.  912.  A  Lodge  is  not  relieved  of  its  duty  to 
bury  one  of  its  members,  or  a  widow  dependent 
upon  its  charity,  by  reason  of  the  fact  that  such 
person  has  been  admitted  to  the  Masonic  Home  and 
dies  while  an  inmate  thereof;  the  burial  expenses 
must  be  paid  by  the  Lodge  which  nominated  such 
person.  Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  644,  902. 

Sec.  913.  If  the  Master  of  a  Lodge  directs  the 
Junior  Warden  to  prefer  charges  against  one  of  its 
members,  he  cannot  preside  at  the  trial,  nor  should 
the  charges  be  presented  to  him. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  645,  902. 

Sec.  914.  If  during  the  balloting  upon  an  ap- 
plicant for  degrees  or  for  affiliation  a  brother  shall 
object  on  the  ground  that  the  ballot-box  is  not 
properly  prepared,  the  Master  must,  before  announc- 
ing the  result  of  the  ballot,  examine  the  ballot-box, 
and  if  it  is  not  properly  prepared,  he  must  at  once 
rectify  the  error,  and  a  ballot  on  the  applicant  must 
be  had,  for  if  the  ballot-box  is  not  properly  prepared 
there  has  been  no  ballot  under  our  Constitution. 

Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  645,  902. 

Sec.  915.  A  resident  of  California  who  is  tem- 
porarily absent  from  the  State  solely  by  reason  of 
his  services  in  the  United  States  army,  is  no  less  a 
resident  because  of  such  absence,  and  the  Constitu- 
tional prohibition  would  be  applicable  in  his  case. 
The  conferring  of  some  of  the  degrees  on  such  a 
person,  by  the  Army  Lodge  working  in  Manila 
under  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  North 


530 


DECISIONS 


Dakota,  was  no  doubt  in  accord  with  the  law  of  that 
Grand  Lodge  and  therefore  regular;  but,  by  reason 
of  our  Constitutional  provision,  we,  of  California, 
cannot  recognize  such  person  as  a  Mason  until  the 
Lodge  nearest  his  place  of  residence  shall  have 
received  him  as  a  member.  (See  also  Const.,  Sec. 
19,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III.)  Vol.  XXIV,  p.  866. 

Sec.  916.  If  a  party  temporarily  absent  from  the 
State  solely  by  reason  of  his  service  in  the  United 
States  army  has  received  the  E.  A.  Degree,  or  the 
E.  A.  and  the  F.  C.  Degrees,  in  a  military  Lodge,  he 
can  apply,  under  our  Constitution,  to  any  Lodge  in 
California  within  whose  jurisdiction  he  resides,  for 
the  remaining  degrees,  or  degree,  and,  if  elected, 
receive  the  degrees  therein,  and  become  a  member 
thereof,  provided  that  he  presents  with  his  applica- 
tion a  certificate,  under  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
from  which  the  dispensation  for  the  Army  Lodge 
emanated,  that  the  Lodge  from  which  the  applicant 
hails  was  legally  established  under  the  laws  of  such 
jurisdiction,  and  that  the  records  of  such  Lodge 
show  that  he  received  the  degrees  claimed  therein, 
and  accompanies  his  application  with  the  fees  pre- 
scribed by  the  By-Laws  for  the  degrees  applied  for. 
Vol.  XXIV,  pp.  867,  868. 

Sec.  917.  Any  one  of  the  Lodges  having  concur- 
rent jurisdiction  over  a  person  may  receive  his 
petition,  elect  him  and  confer  the  degrees  of  Ma- 
sonry upon  him;  or  any  one  of  such  Lodges  may 
waive  jurisdiction,  in  the  manner  provided  in  the 
Constitution,  and  authorize  another  Lodge  to  receive 
and   act  upon   the   petition. 

Vol.  XXIV,  p.  903. 

Sec.  918.  Every  brother  has  the  right  of  choice 
of  ballot,  and  the  number  of   cubes  placed   in   the 


DECISIONS  ;").">  1 

ballot-box  should   not  bo  less  than  one-third   of   the 
entire  number  of  ballots.  Vol.  XXTV,  pi  91  1. 

Sec.  919.  Lodges  have  jurisdiction  (exclusive,  it* 
but  one,  or  concurrent  if  more  than  one  Lodge  is 
located  in  the  same  place)  within  the  corporate 
limits  of  the  town  or  city  in  which  such  Lodge  or 
Lodges  may  be  situated,  and  in  every  direction  from 
the  corporate  limits  of  such  town  or  city.  The 
jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  or  Lodges,  as  the  case 
may  be,  is  exclusive  over  all  the  persons  living- 
nearer  the  corporate  limits  of  such  town  or  city 
than  to  the  corporate  limits  of  any  other  town  or 
city  where  another  Lodge  is  located.  It  is  the 
geographical  center  between  towns  or  cities  in 
which  Lodges  are  located  which  governs,  and  not 
that  between  the  Lodge  halls.  Thus  no  Lodge  can 
gain  or  lose  territorial  jurisdiction  by  moving  its 
place  of  meeting  from  one  hall  to  another  in  the 
town  or  city  in  which  it  is  located. 

Vol.  XXV,  p.  306. 

Sec.  920.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  held  that  the 
funds  of  a  Lodge  are  irrevocably  dedicated  to  charity 
and  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  Lodge,  and  ■  no 
Lodge  shall  expend  such  funds  for  any  other  pur- 
pose, however  worthy  or  patriotic,  except  the  sum  of 
ten  per  cent  of  the  income  of  the  Lodge,  which 
may  be  used  for  other  purposes.  For  all  purposes, 
other  than  those  recogized  as  purely  Masonic,  the 
members  of  the  Lodge  desiring  to  make  contribu- 
tions should  make  them  from  their  private  funds. 
(See  Eegulation  57,  as  amended  in  1906). 

Vol.  XXV,  p.  306. 

Sec.  921.  a.  An  applicant  who  has  lost  the  use  of 
his  right  arm,  is  ineligible. 


532  DECISIONS 

b.  An  applicant  who  has  lost  the  first  finger  of  his 
right   hand,   is   ineligible. 

C.  An  applicant,  having  lost  the  first  joint  of  the 
thumb  and  first  finger  of  his  right  hand,  is  ineligible. 

d.  An  applicant  who  cannot  walk  without  the  use 
of  an  artificial  foot,  is  ineligible. 

e.  An  applicant  who  is  aged  and  hard  of  hearing, 
is  ineligible. 

f.  An  applicant  who  is  a  hunchback  and  dwarf, 
is  ineligible. 

g.  An  applicant  who  has  lost  his  left  arm,  is  in- 
eligible. 

h.  An  applicant  who  has  lost  the  second  and 
third  fingers  of  his  left  hand,  is  ineligible. 

i.  An  applicant  who  has  lost  his  left  hand,  is  in- 
eligible. 

j.  An  applicant  who  is  slightly  ruptured,  not 
enough  to  interfere  with  his  regular  duties,  upon  the 
recommendation  of  a  physician  who  is  a  member  of 
the  Lodge  receiving  the  petition,  is  eligible. 

k.  An  applicant  who  has  lost  the  sight  of  an  eye 
by  accident,  when  the  sight  of  the  other  eye  is  not 
impaired,  is  eligible. 

[For  the  elucidation  of  these  several  decisions  we 
here  insert  the  comments  made  by  the  Committee  on 
Jurisprudence :  — 

Your  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  that  por- 
tion of  the  Grand  Master's  address  relating  to 
establishing  a  concurrent  jurisdiction  between  "Pa- 
cific Grove"  Lodge,  No.  331,  and  "Monterey" 
Lodge,  No.  217,  have  had  the  same  under  considera- 
tion and  report  as  follows: — 

There  is  no  authorization  in  our  Constitution  for 
the  maintenance  of  concurrent  jurisdiction  between 
adjacent  Lodges  other  than  in  towns  or  cities  where 


533 


more  than  one  Lodge  exists,  ami,  as  there  is  but  one 
Lodge  in  each  of  the  towns  mentioned,  such  con- 
current jurisdiction  cannot  he  established  without 
first  amending  the  Constitution  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  authorize  the  same. 

As  no  such  proposed  amendment  has  yet  been  sub- 
mitted for  our  consideration,  we  deem  it  expedient 
to  await  further  authorization  from  the  Grand 
Lodge  before  taking  further  action  in  the  matter. 

Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  that  por- 
tion of  the  Grand  Master's  address  quoting  his  de- 
cisions under  Masonic  law,. have  the  same  under  con- 
sideration and  report  as  follows: — 

In  paragraph  1  of  the  decisions  we  find  that  many 
questions  relative  to  the  physical  qualifications  of 
candidates  for  the  degrees,  as  set  forth  in  General 
Eegulation  No.  11,  as  amended  at  our  last  Annual 
Communication,  have  been  submitted  to  the  Grand 
Master  for  his  interpretation  of  the  law.  The  nature 
of  some  of  the  questions  indicate  that  there  are  some 
Masters  of  Lodges  who  seem  to  think  that  the 
amendment  of  Eegulation  No.  11  has  thrown  the 
door  of  Masonry  wide  open  for  all  applicants  for  the 
degrees,  so  far  as  their  physical  qualifications  are 
concerned.  Such,  however,  is  not  the  case.  The 
amended  regulation  requires  that  the  candidate  for 
the  degrees  must  have  "no  maim  or  defect  in  his 
body  (or  in  the  members  thereof)  that  may  render 
him  incapable  of  learning  the  art,  - '  and  that  he  must 
be  ' '  physically  able  to  conform,  literally,  to  what  the 
several  degrees,  respectively,  require  of  him. ' ,  With 
this  language  for  their  guidance  it  ought  to  be  very 
easy  for  the  Master  of  a  Lodge,  or  for  a  committee 
of  investigation,  to  instantly  determine  the  eligibility 


534 


of  a  candidate  in  almost  every  ease  under  considera- 
tion, without  referring  the  matter  to  the  Grand 
Master  for  his  decision.  Every  well  informed  Mason 
knows  that  snch  applicants  as  are  referred  to  in  sub- 
divisions a,  1>,  c,  (1,  g  and  i  of  the  Grand  Master's 
decisions  are  not  physically  able  to  conform,  literally, 
with  the  essential  requirements  of  the  ceremonies 
in  the  several  degrees.  He  also  should  know  that 
the  applicants  described  in  subdivisions  h,  j  and  k 
are  both  capable  of  learning  the  art  and  of  con- 
forming physically  to  what  the  several  degrees, 
respectively,  require  of  him. 

To  say  that: — 

' '  e.  An  applicant  who  is  aged  and  hard  of  hear- 
in,  is  ineligible," 

May  be  true  of  the  particular  case  referred  to,  yet 
the  only  age  limit  for  the  degrees  of  Masonry  are 
"nonage"  and  "dotage."  But  an  applicant  who  is 
incapable  of  hearing  and  understanding  the  lectures, 
when  uttered  in  a  clear  and  distinct,  yet  ordinary, 
tone  of  voice,  is  manifestly  ineligible  to  conform 
"literally"  with  our  requirements.  Each  case  of 
defective  applicants  must  be  decided  on  its  own 
individual  merits.  The  Worshipful  Master  of  a 
Lodge  and  an  investigating  committee  should  be  able 
and  qualified  to  decide  in  each  case  whether  the 
defect  of  the  applicant  is  sufficient  to  disqualify 
him  for  the  degrees  of  Masonry. 

We  are  of  the  opinion  that  it  is  unwise,  if  not 
impossible,  to  make  or  declare  any  arbitrary  rule  for 
determining  the  disqualification  of  applicants  for  the 
degrees,  other  than  the  general  rule  contained  in 
Eegulation  No.  11,  as  amended  at  our  last  Annual 
Communication.  That  amendment  dropped  the  word 
"deformed"  from  the  regulation,  so  that  "physical 


DECISIONS  •).»•) 

deformity  ' '  is  not  necessarily  a  disqualification  <>f  a 
candidate,  unless  such  deformity  is  of  such  nature 
that  the  applicant  is  physically  incapable  of  con- 
forming, literally,  with  the  requirements  of  the  cere- 
monies in  the  several  degrees  of  Masonry. 

Sec.  922.  When  the  name  of  an  Entered  Appren- 
tice of  a  Lodge  is  dropped  from  the  roll  through 
inadvertence,  mistake,  or  other  cause,  it  is  proper 
for  the  Master  to  order  the  name  of  such  Entered 
Apprentice  restored  to  the  roll,  and  the  Secretary 
should  state  the  circumstances  in  his  report  to  the 
Grand  Lodge.  Vol.  XXV,  pp.  17,  311. 

Sec.  923.  A  waiver  of  jurisdiction  is  necessary 
to  permit  an  entered  Apprentice  to  apply  to  a  Lodge, 
other  than  that  wherein  he  was  initiated,  for  the 
second  and  third  degrees  of  Masonry.  When  juris- 
diction is  waived  the  Entered  Apprentice  is  privil- 
eged to  petition  the  Lodge  specified  in  the  waiver 
of  jurisdiction  for  the  second  and  third  degrees,  and 
if  elected  by  such  Lodge,  can  receive  the  second 
and  third  degrees  therein  and  become  a  member 
thereof.  When  the  Entered  Apprentice  has  been 
denied  advancement  iu  his  own  Lodge  he  can  only 
be  advanced  by  petition  to  said  Lodge,  followed  by 
a  clear  ballot,  but,  after  one  year  from  the  date  of 
his  rejection,  jurisdiction  over  him  may  be  waived 
by  a  majority  vote  of  the  members  present  at  the 
meeting  when  the  application  for  a  waiver  is  acted 
upon.  Vol.  XXV,  p.  17,  311. 

Sec.  924.  A  Lodge  receiving  a  request  from  a 
sister  Lodge  to  confer  degrees  should,  if  practic- 
able, grant  the  request  and  confer  the  degrees  as  an 
act  of  Masonic  courtesy,  and  a  proper  fraternal 
spirit  would  dictate  that  no  fee  be  charged  for  such 


536 


courtesy.  However,  a  Lodge  has  the  right  to  refuse 
to  confer  the  degrees  or  to  confer  the  same  and 
charge  the  Lodge  preferring  the  request  for  the 
reasonable  expenses  incurred  in  so  doing. 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  17,  311. 
Sec.  925.     When  a  candidate  is  elected  to  receive 
the  degrees  and  it  transpires  that  he  willfully  signed 
an    assumed    name    to    his    petition,    he    should    be 
denied  initiation.  Vol.  XXV,  pp.  17,  311. 

Sec.  926.  The  Master  of  a  Lodge  has  the  right 
to  refuse  a  committee  to  a  person  applying  to  visit 
his  Lodge  if  such  person  cannot  furnish  receipts 
for  dues  or  other  documentary  evidence  to  show 
that  he  is  in  good  standing  and  is  a  Mason.  The 
Master  possesses  the  power  of  determining  who 
shall  visit  his  Lodge  or  sit  therein.  [Your  com- 
mittee find  that  this  decision  is  in  strict  conformity 
with  our  law,  and  recommend  that  it  be  approved. 
We  make  this  recommendation,  however,  subject  to 
the  express  understanding  that,  although  the  Mas- 
ter of  a  Lodge  has  the  undoubted  right  to  refuse  a 
committee  to  examine  one  who  has  no  documentary 
evidence  of  his  membership,  yet  such  Master  is  not 
required  to  do  so.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Worshipful 
Master  to  satisfy  himself  that  the  applicant  for  ad- 
mission is  a  Mason  in  good  standing  by  requiring 
such  evidence  as,  in  his  judgment,  is  necessary.] 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.17,  311. 

Sec.  927.  When  objection  has  been  made  to  the 
advancement  of  a  candidate,  and  the  committee  re- 
quired by  the  Constitution  has  been  appointed  and 
has  reported,  the  sense  of  the  Lodge  on  the  ques- 
tion of  advancement  need  not  be  taken  by  secret 
ballot,  but  may  be  taken  by  a  show  of  hands  or 
other  means,  to  determine  the  opinion  of  the  mem- 


DECISIONS  537 

bers  present  and  to  ascertain  the  proportion  between 
those  favoring  and  those  opposed  to  the  advance- 
ment of  the  candidate.  Vol*XXV,pp,  17,311. 

Sec.  928.  A  candidate  is  not  disqualified  to  receive 
second  and  third  degrees  by  reason  of  an  accident 
oceuring  subsequent  to  his  initiation  whereby  his 
fingers  are  stiffened  and  the  thumb  of  his  right 
hand  is  destroyed.  Vol.  XXV,  pp.  17,  311. 

Sec.  929.  A  person  claiming  he  was  made  a  Mason 
in  Pern,  but  who  is  unable  to  show  the  fact,  may, 
if  he  can  satisfy  the  jurisdictional  requirements  of 
our  law,  petition  for  the  degrees  and,  if  elected,  be 
initiated,  passed  and  raised  in  the  same  manner  as 
though  he  had  never  been  made  a  Mason. 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  18,  311. 

Sec.  930.  An  expenditure  from  the  funds  of  a 
Lodge  for  the  purchase  of  dishes,  crockery,  cutlery, 
etc.,  would  be  classified  as  for  refreshments,  and 
only  ten  per  cent  of  the  total  revenue  of  a  Lodge 
can  be  used  for  such  purpose.  (See  Eegulation  No. 
57,  as  amended  in  1906.)         Vol.  XXV,  pp.  18,  312. 

Sec.  931.  When  an  election  of  officers  is  not  com- 
pleted at  the  meeting  held  at  the  time  prescribed  by 
the  Constitution,  the  offices  which  were  not  filled  at 
such  meeting  cannot  be  filled  by  election  at  a  sub- 
sequent meeting,  except  under  a  dispensation  to  hold 
an  election  to  fill  the  vacancies  which  exist  by 
reason  of  a  failure  to  elect  at  the  proper  time. 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  18,  312. 

Sec.  932.  A  Lodge  does  not  possess  the  power  to 
remit  the  initiation  fee  of  any  candidate.  The  By- 
Laws  provide  for  the  fee  and  they  cannot  be  set 
aside  without  the  permission  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  18,  312. 


338 


DECISIONS 


Sec.  933.  No  Lodge  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  California  can  establish  life  mem- 
berships by  resolution  or  in  any  other  manner.  (See 
amendment  to  Sec.  1,  Art.  IX  of  the  Uniform  Code 
of  By-Laws.)  Vol.  XXV,  pp.  18,  312. 

Sec.  934.  An  objection  to  the  advancement  of  a 
candidate,  made  by  a  Mason  who  is  not  a  member 
of  the  Lodge,  does  not  operate  to  deny  advance- 
ment. The  Lodge,  after  the  report  of  the  committee 
prescribed  by  the  Constitution,  determines  by  a 
two-thirds  vote  to  advance  the  candidate  or  deny 
his  advancement,  and  such  determination  is  final, 
for  the  Lodge  is  the  sole  judge  of  the  eligibility  of 
its  material.  Vol.  XXV,  pp.  18,  312. 

Sec.  935.  A  non-affiliate  Mason,  whose  dimit 
is  less  than  two  years  old,  is  not  entitled  to  have 
returned  to  him  the  six  months '  dues  paid  to  the 
Lodge  at  the  time  he  makes  application  for  mem- 
bership, for  such  dues,  under  our  law,  become  the 
property  of  the  Lodge.  If  the  Lodge  prescribes  an 
affiliation  fee,  such  fee  should  be  returned  to  the 
applicant  in  the  event  of  his  rejection. 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  18,  312. 

Sec.  936.  When  a  person  has  petitioned  a  Lodge 
for  the  degrees  of  Masonry  and  an  investigating 
committee  has  been  appointed,  and  made  a  favor- 
able report  at  a  subsequent  stated  meeting,  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  Lodge  to  vote  upon  the  petition  at  such 
stated  meeting  and  the  Master  has  no  power  or 
authority  to  postpone  the  balloting  to  a  subsequent 
meeting.  Vol.  XXV,  pp.  18,  312. 

Sec.  937.  The  Secretary  of  a  Lodge  cannot  clas- 
sify the  members  according  to  years  or  membership 
and    have    their    dues   remitted   for   the    number    of 


DECISIONS  539 

years  they  have  been  active  members  of  the  Lodge. 

Every    Mason    must    pay   his   dues   when   financially 
able."  •   "  Vol.  XXV,  pp.  18, 312. 

Sec.  938.  Where  objection  is  made  to  the  advance- 
ment of  an  Entered  Apprentice,  which  maybe  either 
oral  or  in  writing,  and  at  any  time,  it  is  not  neces- 
sary to  state  the  reasons  to  the  Master,  but  he  should 
appoint  a  committee  of  such  number  as  he  con- 
siders proper,  and  to  such  committee  the  objection 
should  be  fully  stated,  and  they  should  fairly  and 
impartially  investigate  the  report,  hearing  both  sides, 
if  they  consider  it  necessary.  The  Entered  Appren- 
tice is  not  entitled,  as  a  matter  of  right,  to  know 
of  the  proceedings  until  he  is  refused  advancement, 
when  he  should  be  informed  that  objection  was 
made,  the  matter  referred  to  a  proper  committee, 
that  his  rights  have  been  preserved,  and  the  Lodge 
has  by  a  proper  vote  refused  to  advance  him. 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  704,  1043. 

Sec.  939.  A  Lodge  cannot  receive  or  act  upon 
the  petition  of  an  applicant  for  degrees  until  he  has 
arrived  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  and  the 
petition  should  not  be  signed  or  presented  until  he 
is  a  man — that  is,  twenty-one  years  of  age. 

*  Vol.  XXV,  pp.  704, 1043. 

Sec.  940.  One  is  entitled  to  vouch  for  a  brother 
where  he  has  examined  and  passed  him  for  admis- 
sion to  a  Chapter  of  Eoyal  Arch  Masons,  or  a  Com- 
mandery  of  Knights  Templar,  within  this  Grand 
Jurisdiction,  or  sat  in  either  of  those  bodies  with 
him.      (Overruled.     See  Sec.  985.) 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  704,  1044, 

Sec.  941.  Several  Lodges  in  the  jurisdiction  have 
contended  that  the  decision  of  the  Grand  Lodge  at 
the  Annual  Communication  of  1900,  relative  to  Life 


540  DECISIONS 

Membership,  did  not  prevent  them  from  issuing  life 
memberships  where  a  standing  resolution  or  by-law 
passed  prior  to  and  in  force  at  the  time  of  the  de- 
cision so  provided.  I  have  decided  that  a  life  mem- 
bership is  not  established  by  the  mere  passing  of 
a  resolution  providing  for  it,  but  that  the  act  of 
receiving  the  money  and  issuing  the  certificate  con- 
stitutes or  establishes  the  life  membership,  and  that, 
since  said  decision,  it  is  improper  and  illegal  to 
issue  or  grant  any  life  membership  or  receive  any 
money  therefor,  and  any  and  all  resolutions  or  by- 
laws providing  therefor,  should  be  immediately  re- 
pealed by  the  Lodge.  (See  Sec.  1,  Art.  IX  of  the 
Uniform  Code  of  By-Laws.) 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  794,  1044. 

Sec.  942.  Where  a  Lodge,  prior  to  the  decision 
of  1900,  has,  by  resolution  or  otherwise,  granted  a 
life  membership,  agreed  that  a  brother  should  be  a 
life  member,  and  enrolled  him  as  such  in  accordance 
with  the  agreement,  or  in  any  manner  created  and 
granted  such  life  membership,  it  is  then  an  executed 
contract  between  him  and  the  Lodge,  and  cannot 
be  set  aside  or  rescinded  without  the  consent  of 
both,  and  such  life  memberships  must  stand. 

Vol  XXV,  pp.  704,  1044. 

Sec.  943.  Where  a  person  has  resided  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  a  Lodge  for  several  years,  and  failed 
to  make  application  for  degrees,  and  removes  there- 
from, the  Lodge  from  the  jurisdiction  of  which  he 
removes  immediately  loses  the  right  to  receive  and 
act  upon  his  petition,  and  the  Lodge  into  whose 
jurisdiction  he  moves  does  not  acquire  jurisdiction 
until  he  has  resided  therein  for  six  months  immedi- 
ately preceding  his  application. 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  704, 1045. 


DECISIONS  541 

Sec.  944.  The  expenditure  of  Lodge  funds  for 
floral  pieces  for  a  deceased  brother  is  in  no  sense 
charity,  and  is  improper;  if  at  all,  they  must  be 
purchased  with  funds  collected  from  the  individual 
members  of  from  the  amount  set  apart  or  permitted 
to  be  used  for  social  purposes. 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  705,  1045. 
Sec.  945.  The  funds  of  a  Lodge  can  be  used  for 
charitable  purposes  only,  and  it  is  improper  to  donate 
any  portion  thereof  to  a  member,  even  though  he 
be  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  merely  for  the  purpose 
and  with  the  intention  of  returning  to  him  the  fee 
for  degrees.  A  Lodge  should  not  accept  one  whose 
condition  is  such  that  he  immediately  becomes  a 
burden  and  a  subject  of  charity,  and  the  remission 
of  the  fees  for  degrees,  directly  or  indirectly,  is 
unmasonic  and  improper,  and  not  permissible. 

Vol.  XXV,  pp.  705,  1045. 
Sec.  946.  Early  in  the  year  there  was  called  to 
my  attention  a  circular  sent  out  by  a  Lodge,  con- 
cerning Masonic  Home  Legislation.  It  was  a  very 
unhappily  worded  document,  and  should  never  have 
been  issued  in  the  form  in  which  it  was  by  any 
Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction.  I  immediately  wrote  to 
the  Lodge,  telling  them  to  take  no  further  steps  in 
the  matter,  deciding  that  no  circular  of,  or  concern- 
ing legislation  to  be  brought  before  the  Grand 
Lodge,  or  the  election  of  any  officers  therein,  was 
proper  to  be  sent  out  by  any  Lodge  in  this  jurisdic- 
tion; that,  if  the  necessity  occurred,  the  Lodge 
should  advise  the  Grand  Master,  giving  him  all  the 
necessary  information,  and  that  the  circular  should 
be  issued  by  him  through  the  Grand  Secretary  only. 
This  is  merely  following  the  decision  as  found  in  the 
Report  of  the  Jurisprudence  Committee,  on  page  251 


542 


of  Volume  XXI  of  Grand  Lodge  Proceedings,  and 
that  the  rule  is  a  wise  one  is  fully  exemplified  by 
the  facts  of  this  case.  Vol.  XXV,  pp.  705,  706. 

Sec.  947.  In  order  to  enable  the  Grand  Lodge  to 
issue  a  charter  to  a  Lodge  under  dispensation,  it 
is  not  absolutely  necessary  that  degree  work  should 
have  been  done.  Under  the  provisions  of  Sec.  1, 
Art.  I,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution,  a  charter  may 
be  issued  by  the  Grand  Lodge  to  any  Lodge  that 
has  existed  for  any  length  of  time  under  dispensa- 
tion, provided  it  has  exhibited  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
evidence  satisfactory  of  its  Masonic  capability. 

Vol.  XXVI,  p.  372. 

Sec.  948.  Lodges  begin  to  exist  with  the  issuance 
of  the  dispensation,  and  that  date  alone  should  be 
considered  in  fixing  the  fiftieth  or  other  anniversary. 

Vol.  XXVI,  p.  381. 

Sec.  949.  A  Junior  Warden  who  is  instructed  to 
prefer  charges  against  a  brother  for  unmasonic  con- 
duct is  still  the  accuser,  although  elected  and  in- 
stalled as  Senior  Warden  of  the  Lodge. 

Vol.  XXVI,  p.  1077. 

Sec.  950.  A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  suspend  a 
mentally  incompetent  brother. 

Vol.  XXVI,  pp.  808,  1077. 

Sec.  951.  A  Lodge  cannot  receive  the  petition  of 
a  person  under  indictment  by  a  Grand  Jury. 

Vol.  XXVI,  p.  1077. 

Sec.  952.  Lodges  under  dispensation  are  Masonic 
Lodges  for  all  purposes,  and  under  the  same  laws, 
rules  and  regulations  governing  chartered  Lodges. 

Vol.  XXVI,  pp.  1077. 

Sec.  953.  The  Masonic  burial  service  may  be  read 
over  the  remains  of  a  deceased  Mason  by  any  body 


543 


of  Masons,  but  such  reading  does  not  constitute  a 
Masonic  burial.     (See  Regulation  No.  81.) 

Vol.  XXVI,  p.  1078. 

Sec.  954.     The   reading  of  the   names  of  brethren 
on  committees  of  investigation,  when  reporting,  is 
in  the  discretion  of  the  Lodge,    (But  see  Sec.  — .) 
Vol.  XXVI,  pp.  1087, 1110. 

Sec.  955.  Grand  Master's  Address.  In  selecting 
a  Junior  Grand  Warden  we  are  selecting  a  brother 
who  will,  in  all  human  probability,  be  called  upon 
to  assume  the  great  responsibility  of  directing  the 
destinies  of  Masonry  in  this  jurisdiction.  It  is  need- 
less to  say  to  Masons  that  in  the  relation  of  one  who 
is  ultimately  to  be  our  Grand  Master,  with  all  the 
powers  and  duties  of  that  great  office,  personal 
friendship  and  pride  of  locality,  and  other  like  con- 
siderations, should  all  yield  to  the  superior  one  of 
worth  and  fitness,  and  that  the  brother  selected 
should  be  the  free  choice  of  a  majority  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Grand  Lodge,  uninfluenced  by  trade  or 
combination  of  any  kind. 

Report  of  the  Committee  on  Jurisprudence  on  the 
foregoing:  We  feel  that  it  is  impossible  for  us  to 
add  anything  to  the  words  of  the  Grand  Master 
upon  this  subject.  The  matter  is  not  one  as  to 
which  legislation  would  afford  any  remedy.  This 
appeal  is  to  the  hearts  and  conscience  of  all  good 
Masons.  We  feel  confident,  with  him,  that  it  is  only 
necessary  to  call  attention  to  these  things,  and  that 
the  overwhelming  majority  of  Masons,  recognizing 
the  danger,  will  formulate  a  cure  for  the  evil.  We 
recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  expressions  of  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter  as   to   "Politics   and   Political   Methods   in   the 
Grand  Lodge"  are  heartily  indorsed  by  this  body. 
Vol.  XXVI,  pp.  1079, 1080. 


.144 


Sec.  956.  A  seafaring  man  who  has  never  resided 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  a  Lodge,  sailing  from  port 
to  port,  who  claims  or  has  no  residence  except  the 
ship  on  which  he  may  happen  to  be  employed,  re- 
maining in  port  but  a  few  weeks  at  a  time,  or  only 
so  long  as  the  business  of  the  ship  may  detain  him, 
cannot  make  application  to  any  Lodge.  A  man  must 
first  acquire  a  residence  in  a  place;  he  must  have 
some  fixed  place  of  abode  or  home  before  he  can 
petition  a  Lodge,  and  it  is  not  lawful  for  any  Lodge 
in  this  jurisdiction  to  receive  or  act  upon  a  petition 
from  such  a  person.  Vol.  XXVI,  p.  1083.    ■ 

Sec.  957.  It  is  the  duty  of  a  Lodge  to  attend 
the  funeral  of  a  deceased  member  or  Master  Mason 
within  its  jurisdiction,  and  the  members  of  a  Lodge 
conducting  the  funeral  ceremony  should  see  that  the 
attendance  on  such  occasion  is  creditable  to  the 
Lodge,  and,  should  the  members  fail  to  perform  their 
duty,  it  is  in  the  power  of  the  Master  to  compel 
them  to  do  it.  A  Master  has  power  to  issue  a  sum- 
mons whenever  the  business  of  the  Lodge  requires  it, 
and  the  brother  receiving  the  summons  has  no  right 
to  question  its  legality  and  refuse  to  obey  it.  A 
Master  can  compel  the  performance  of  duty  by  Mas- 
ter Masons,  and  there  is  now  a  remedy  for  the  evil 
should  the  Master  consider  it  necessary  to  act. 

Vol.  XXVI,  p.  1084. 

Sec.  958.  The  Constitution  provides  that  no 
Lodge  shall  admit  a  visitor  without  due  inquiry  or 
examination.  The  term  "due  inquiry"  is  not 
satisfied  by  the  consideration  of  letters  or  written 
statements  only,  given  by  the  Master  or  Secretary 
of  the  Lodge  of  which  he  claims  to  be  a  member  to 
the  effect  that  he  is  a  Master  Mason  in  good  stand- 
ing.     Documentary    evidence    alone,    no    matter    of 


DECISIONS 


545 


what  character,  Is  not  sufficient  to  admit  hi*    but 

When'8     Pr°V<'   ";'"S""'   by  ••'    —•'"   -"     mt!on 
tlry  of  °»TT'         "?  '•'  8tat<Sment  from  the  S 

Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  16,  in 
Sec.  959.     WI.cn  more  than  one  candidate  is  to  be 

^re  ZaVi:r meetin- a  —  «5 

Sec.    360      Charges    ma/t^f^  a 

S;^  the  -t^d  of  procgedurcgand  th: 
penalties  are  the  same  as  in  the  cases  of  a  Master 
Mason.     (See  Sec.  733.)       Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  17,  in 

Sec.  961.  When  a  case  is  transferred  for  trial 
to  another  Lodge  and  the  brother  charged  with 
offense  is  found  guilty  and  sentenced,  if  he  a7ter 
wards  desirea  to  be  restored,  he  must  petition  the 
Lodge  winch  tried  him.        Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  17  Tl2 

Sec  962  The  daughter  of  a  Master  Mason  i„ 
good  standing  at  the  time  of  his  death  married* 
man  who  had  been  a  Mason,  but  dimiSd  and™ 
out  of  standing  for  many  years  is  entitWl  J 
suleration  at  the  ^  ^/the  lodge  to  which  1" 
father  belonged  at  the  time  of  his  dfath.  He  •  riJht 
to    relief   depends    upon    the   fact    that    she    is    the 

tTSl'l    f  \MaSteT  MaS°n'  Md  is  ">t  forfeited 
by  the  misfortunes  of  matrimony. 

Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  18,  113. 

self?;  f3'  A  member  °f  a  h0d^  Permitting  him- 
self to  remain  suspended  for  a  period  of  two  years 
can  be  restored  only  by  compliance  with  all  o7th8 


546  DECISIONS 

provisions  of  Sec.  11,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III  of  the  Con- 
stitution;  any  other  method  of  restoration  is  void. 
Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  17, 113. 

Sec.  964.  In  the  case  of  an  Entered  Apprentice 
who  had  some  years  previously  been  denied  ad- 
vancement, on  his  again  applying,  the  Lodge  must 
be  governed  by  what  appeared  in  its  approved 
minutes  of  the  meeting  at  which  advancement  had 
been  denied,  and  not  by  other  evidence.  The  denial 
of  advancement  was  equivalent  to  rejection  for 
the  remaining  degrees,  and  the  applicant  could 
obtain  the  remaining  degrees  only  by  petition, 
reference  and  ballot  in  the  ordinary  way. 

Vol.  XXVII,  18, 114. 

Sec.  965.  There  is  no  law  or  regulation  of  Ma- 
sonry that  precludes  Masons  from  going  to  church 
together  from  the  hall  of  their  Lodge;  but  no  dis- 
pensation could  be  granted  them  to  wear  regalia  on 
such  an  occasion.  Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  18, 114. 

Sec.  966.  There  can  be  no  valid  objection  to  the 
appointment  of  a  committee  to  draft  resolutions  of 
respect  to  the  memory  of  a  deceased  brother,  who, 
upon  the  request  of  his  widow,  was  buried  by  the 
Gommandery  of  which  he  was  a  member,  although 
the  Lodge  took  no  part  in  the  funeral. 

Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  19,114. 

Sec.  967.  A  Lodge  has  not  the  right  to  bury  a 
man  presumed  to  be  a  Mason,  whose  dimit  had  been 
granted  several  years  before,  and  who  had  resided 
in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  a  Lodge,  and  had  never 
visited  or  made  himself  known  as  a  Mason,  although 
just  before  his  death  he  had  requested  to  be  buried 
by  the  Masons.  Vol.  XXVII,  p.   115. 

Sec.  968.  When  a  petition  has  been  received  and 
referred  to  a  committee  of  investigation,  it  cannot 


547 


bo  withdrawn,  even  though  the  applicant  in  the 
meantime  may  have  removed  from  the  jurisdiction 
of  California.  The  applicant,  in  such  a  case,  is 
entitled  to  a  final  determination;  and  if  rejected 
his  fee  can  be  returned  to  him;  if  elected,  the  de- 
grees can  be  conferred  upon  him  by  some  Lodge 
in  the  State  to  which  he  may  have  gone. 

Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  19, 117. 

Sec.  969.  If  a  member  may  object  and  prevent 
initiation  after  election,  certainly  he  should  have 
the  right  and  power  to  do  so  before  election,  and 
the  objection  should  be  treated  in  all  respects  as 
one  interposed  after  election,  and,  unless  withdrawn, 
would  hold  good  for  sixty  days  from  the  time  the 
applicant  was  elected.         Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  20, 118. 

Sec.  970.  When  a  member  of  a  Lodge  takes  a 
dimit  therefrom,  and  afterwards  desires  to  recon- 
nect himself  with  the  Lodge  from  which  he  received 
the  dimit,  he  must  pursue  the  same  course  as  he 
would  be  required  to  do  in  case  he  desired  to  affiliate 
with  any  other  Lodge;  that  is,  he  must  make  appli- 
cation for  affiliation.  This  application  must  be 
referred  to  a  committee  of  investigation,  and  after 
report  of  such  committee,  a  ballot  must  be  had. 
(See   Sec.   91.)  Vol.  XXVII,  p.  201. 

Sec.  971.  A  Past  Master  of  a  foreign  jurisdiction 
affiliating  with  a  Lodge  in  California,  carries  with 
him  the  title  of  Past  Master,  and  should  be  entered 
on  the  roll  as  a  Past  Master.  He  does  not,  however, 
become  a  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 
A  Past  Master  of  a  Lodge  in  California  dimitting 
from  his  Lodge  and  affiliating  with  another  Lodge 
in  California  carries  with  him  the  title  and  the 
privileges;  for,  being  a  Past  Master  of  a  Lodge  in 
California,  he  is  a  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge  so 


548  DECISIONS 

long  as  he  is  a  member  of  any  Lodge  in  California. 
(See  Const.,  Sec.  1,  Art.  II,  Part  I;  also  Part  VII.) 
This  decision  was  modified  by  the  Committee  on 
Jurisprudence  to  the  effect  that  the  provision  of  the 
Constitution  controls  as  to  the  meaning  of  the  term 
"Past  Master "  wherever  it  occurs  in  the  Consti- 
tution. Only  those  who  come  within  its  terms  can 
be  held  to  be  entitled  to  the  rank  and  privileges  of 
a  Past  Master  in  California,  and  one  whose  only 
service  as  Master  was  in  a  Lodge  of  another  juris- 
diction is  plainly  not  within  its  terms.  In  1907  the 
matter  alluded  to  in  this  section  was  again  brought 
up  in  Grand  Lodge  and  definitely  settled.  See  Defi- 
nition, page  90.)  Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  202,  461. 

Sec.  972.  There  is  nothing  in  the  General  Eegula- 
tions,  or  in  the  decisions  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  which 
prohibits  a  Lodge  from  having  wines  at  a  banquet, 
provided  the  wines  are  not  purchased  with  the  funds 
of  the  Lodge.  The  question  as  to  whether  it  is 
advisable  for  a  Lodge  to  have  wine  at  a  banquet 
is  one  that  the  Lodge  has  a  right,  in  the  absence  of 
any  law  prohibiting  its  use,  to  determine  for  itself. 

In  commenting  on  this  decision  the  Committee  on 
Jurisprudence  says:  "The  decision  of  the  Grand 
Master  relative  to  the  right  to  use  wine  at  a 
banquet  held  outside  of  the  Lodge-room,  where  such 
wine  is  paid  for  otherwise  than  from  Lodge  funds, 
is  in  accord  with  our  existing  written  law  on  the 
subject.  The  only  written  prohibition  now  in  our 
law  is  as  to  the  payment  for  spirituous  malt  or 
fermented  liquor  from  Lodge  funds.  It  has  also 
been  decided  that  it  is  contrary  to  Masonic  usage 
to  serve  such  liquors  in  a  Masonic  hall.  If  it  be 
desired  to  prohibit  the  use  of  such  liquors  at  any 
Masonic    banquet    or    gathering,    wherever    held,    a 


5  Eft 


regulation  to  that  effect  will  accomplish  the  desired 
purpose.  Vol.  XXVII,  p.  203. 

Sec.  973.  If  a  Lodge  sublets  a  hall  which  it  rents 
for  its  own  use,  the  rental  received  from  the  Bub- 
tenantr  is  part  and  parcel  of  the  gross  income  or 
revenue  of  the  Lodge,  and  only  the  per  cent  thereof 
allowed  under  General  Eegulation  No.  57  can  be 
used  for  banqueting  purposes. 

Vol.  XXVII,  p.  203. 

Sec.  974.  This  Grand  Lodge  has  adopted  a  Uni- 
form Code  of  By-Laws.  This  cannot  be  amended  by 
a  new  section  providing  a  special  sum  for  banquet 
purposes,  for  the  reason  that  this  sum  would  be 
practically  an  increase  of  dues,  and  would  be  a  part 
of  the  revenues  of  the  Lodge.  Such  action  would 
be  a  violation  of  General  Eegulation  No.  57. 

Vol.  XXVII,  p.  204. 

Sec.  975.  An  Entered  Apprentice  denied  advance- 
ment remains  still  an  Entered  Apprentice  and  must 
be  carried  on  the  roll  as  such.  The  fee  paid  by 
him  should  be  returned,  less  the  amount  charged  for 
the    K.   A.   Degree.  Vol.  XXVII,  p.  205. 

Sec.  976.  A  brother  may  present  a  certificate  in 
lieu  of  a  dimit,  and  be  elected  in  the  Lodge  to  which 
he  applies,  but  he  does  not  actually  become  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Lodge  by  virtue  of  the  election  until  a 
dimit  is  granted  by  the  Lodge  to  which  he  belongs. 
If  there  should  be  a  lapse  of  time  between  the 
issuance  of  the  certificate  of  membership  and  the 
granting  of  the  dimit,  which  would  cause  the 
brother  to  be  indebted  to  the  Lodge  for  dues  during 
the  interim,  he  must  pay  to  the  Lodge  from  which 
he  is  dimitting  the  amount  of  dues  accruing  during 
the   interim. 


550 


Commenting  on  this  decision  the  Jurisprudence 
Committee  says:  "It  is  clear  that  the  mere  election 
of  the  brother  to  membership  in  the  new  Lodge 
under  these  circumstances  in  no  way  affects  his 
standing  as  a  member  of  the  old  Lodge.  He  con- 
tinues a  member  of  the  old  Lodge  and  liable  for  all 
dues  that  may  accrue  until  such  time  as  he  formally 
withdraws  therefrom,  which  he  may  do,  under  Sec- 
tion 6  of  the  same  article,  by  giving  notice  of  his 
intention  so  to  do  at  a  stated  meeting,  when,  he 
being  in  good  standing,  and  his  dues  being  paid,  he 
will  receive  a  certificate  of  withdrawal  or  dimit. 
Prom  that  moment  he  is  not  a  member  of  any  Lodge 
until  he  becomes  a  member  of  another  Lodge,  and 
he  can  become  a  member  of  the  new  Lodge  to  which 
he  has  been  elected  only  upon  filing  such  certificate 
of  withdrawal  or  dimit  with  the  Secretary  thereof 
at  a  stated  meeting.  His  dues  in  the  new  Lodge  do 
not  commence  to  accrue  until  such  filing  of  the  cer- 
tificate. During  the  time  that  may  elapse  before  his 
withdrawal  from  the  old  Lodge  and  the  filing  of  his 
certificate  of  withdrawal  or  dimit  in  the  new  Lodge, 
he,  not  being  a  member  of  any  Lodge,  is  not  liable 
for  dues  to  any  Lodge.  The  certificate  of  standing 
or  membership  contained  in  the  Grand  Master's  de- 
cision, and  taken  by  him  from  Anderson's  Manual, 
at  page  69,  we  find  on  investigation  has  never  been 
adopted  as  a  part  of  our  Constitution  or  law,  and  is 
no  part  thereof.  As  we  understand  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter's decision,  he  ruled  that  the  brother  was  liable 
to  the  old  Lodge  for  such  dues  as  might  accrue  to 
the  time  when  he  formally  withdrew  therefrom,  and 
such  ruling  is  strictly  in  accord  with  our  law,  and  we 
recommend  that  it  be  approved.  We  have  discussed 
this  matter  at  length  for   the   purpose   of   making 


551 


clear  the  status  of  the  brother  from  the  time  of  his 
withdrawal  to  the  time  of  filing  his  certificate  of 
withdrawal  with  the  Secretary  of  the  new  Lodge, 
a  matter  that  does  not  appear  to  be  explicitly  cov- 
ered by  the  decision  of  the  Grand  Master. 

Vol.  XXVII,  p.  205. 

Sec.  977.  There  is  no  provision  in  the  Uniform 
Code  of  By-Laws  for  the  creating  of  a  salaried 
officer,  or  for  the  appointment  of  such  an  officer,  for 
the  purpose  of  instructing  candidates  in  the  lectures 
of  the  first  and  second  degrees. 

Vol.  XXVII,  p.  207. 

Sec.  978.  No  life  membership  can  be  authorized, 
except  as  provided  by  amendment  to  the  Uniform 
Code  of  By-Laws  adopted  by  the  Grand  Lodge  in 
1905.  (See  Sec.  1,  Art.  IX,  of  Uniform  Code  of 
By-Laws.)  Vol.  XXVII,  p.  207. 

Sec.  979.  Every  Mason,  whether  old  or  young, 
if  able,  should  bear  his  proportion  of  the  burdens 
of  the  Lodge  and  pay  his  dues;  If  not  able,  it  be- 
comes the  duty  of  the  Lodge  to  see  that  his  dues  are 
remitted,  and  the  brother  kept  in  standing. 

Vol.  XXVII,  p.  460. 

Sec.  980.  This  section  has  reference  to  the  con- 
sent of  Lodges  for  the  formation  of  new  Lodges. 
(See  Sec.  2,  Art.  I,  Part  III,  of  the  Constitution 
as  amended,  the  amendment  being  as  follows:  Pro- 
vided, always,  that  whenever  the  nearest  or  most 
convenient  chartered  Lodge  refuses  to  grant  its 
recommendation,  the  Grand  Master  may,  if  after 
full  investigation  he  deems  it  to  be  for  the  best  in- 
terests of  Masonry,,  grant  such,  dispensation  without 
any  such  recommendation  having  been  given.) 

Vol.  XXVII,  p.  462. 


552 


Sec.  981.  Our  interpretation  of  the  resolution 
adopted  at  the  last  Annual  Communication  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  California  in  reference  to  keeping 
secret  the  names  of  brethren  appointed  on  com- 
mittees of  investigation  on  petitions  for  degrees  and 
applications  for  membership,  and  our  judgment  as 
to  the  proper  method  of  procedure,  are  as  follows: 

The  intention  of  the  resolution  being  to  secure 
absolute  secrecy,  the  names  of  the  brethren  ap- 
pointed on  these  committees  should  not,  in  our 
opinion,  be  given  by  the  Master  to  the  Secretary,  to 
enable  him,  as  formerly,  to  notify  the  brethren  of 
their  appointment,  neither  should  their  reports  be 
returned  to  the  Secretary;  but  the  Master  himself 
should  severally  notify  the  members  of  the  commit- 
tee of  their  appointment,  not  revealing  to  one  the 
identity  of  the  others,  and  their  reports  should  be 
rendered  by  them  directly  to  him,  and  when  prac- 
ticable, should  be  given  verbally,  and  if  in  writing, 
after  having  subserved  the  purpose  of  informing  the 
Master  of  the  results  of  the  investigations,  should 
be  by  him,  destroyed,  and  his  simple  announcement 
to  the  Lodge  of  such  results,  will  be  all  the  infor- 
mation concerning  these  reports  conveyed  by  him 
to  anyone.  Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  594,  681. 

Sec.  982.  The  Grand  Lodge  in  approving  the  re- 
port of  the  Committee  on  Jurisprudence  in  the  case 
of  a  transfer  of  trial  made  by  the  Grand  Master, 
expressed  the  opinion  that  the  Grand  Lodge  was 
unwilling  to  establish  the  general  rule  that  a  Lodge 
by  ordering  its  Junior  Warden  to  prefer  charges 
thereby  renders  itself  disqualified  from  trying  the 
case.    "  ,  Vol.  XXVII,  p.  681. 

Sec.  983.  When  an  objection  has  been  made  to 
the    advancement    of    an    Entered    Apprentice    or    a 


DECISIONS  553 

Fellow  Craft,  and  the  committee  has  reported,  the 
same  reasons  which  impelled  the  Grand  Lodge  to 
adopt  the  resolution  providing  for  secrecy  of  com- 
mittees of  investigation  clearly  indicate  that  voting 
upon  objection  to  advancement  should  be  by  secret 
ballot,  and  not  by  show  of  hands,  for,  by  a  show  of 
hands  the  brethren  voting  would  be  obliged  to 
expose  their  ballots.  Owing  to  the  impracticability 
of  voting  by  ball  and  cube,  the  ballot  should  be 
taken  on  each  of  which  should  be  written  ' '  Yes ' ' 
or  "  No. "  Vol.  XXVII,  pp.  597,  G81. 

Sec.  984.  A  request  for  waiver  of  jurisdiction 
should  not  be  acted  on  at  the  meeting  at  which  it  is 
presented,  but  should  lie  over  for  a  month  and  a 
committee  should  be  appointed  to  investigate;  first, 
as  to  whether  or  not  the  Lodge  to  which  the  request 
for  waiver  is  addressed  actually  possesses  jurisdic- 
tion, and  secondly,  if  the  reasons  alleged  by  the 
applicant  as  to  why  a  waiver  is  desired  are  good  and 
sufficient.  This  report  can  only  be  rendered  at  a 
stated  meeting  succeeding  the  one  when  the  request 
is  received,  and  the  Lodge  can  only  act  intelligently 
in  the  light  of  the  information  received  therefrom. 
If  the  Lodge  to  which  the  request  for  waiver  of 
jurisdiction  has  been  made,  refuses  to  grant  the 
waiver  asked,  another  Lodge  holding  concurrent 
jurisdiction  cannot  within  twelve  months  receive 
and  act  upon  a  request  from  the  same  applicant. 

Sec.  985.  No  Mason  can  rightfully  vouch  for  a 
visiting  brother  unless  he  shall  have  sat  with  him  in 
open  Lodge,  or  has  examined  him  under  proper 
authority,  or,  in  case  a  member  of  one  Lodge  has  sat 
in  open  Lodge  with  a  visiting  brother,  such  brother, 
so  sitting,  can  vouch  for  such  visiting  brother  to  a 
member  of  any  other  Lodge  all  three  being  present, 


554 


and  such  brother  to  whom  such  avouchment  is  made 
can  then  vouch  for  such  visiting  brother  to  the 
Master  of  his  Lodge;  provided,  such  visiting  brother 
can  and  does  produce  written  evidence  under  seal 
of  his  Lodge  that  he  is  in  good  standing  in  his  own 
Lodge,  and  no  proper  avouchment  can  be  made 
except  as  therein  defined.  Vol.  XXVII,  p.  714. 

Sec.  986.  The  same  reasons  which  impelled  the 
Grand  Lodge,  at  the  annual  communication  of  1906 
to  adopt  the  resolution  providing  for  secrecy  of 
Committees  of  Investigation  clearly  indicates  that 
voting  upon  objection  to  advancement  should  be  by 
secret  ballot,  and  not  by  show  of  hands,  for  by  show 
of  hands  the  brothers  voting  would  be  obliged  to 
expose  their  ballot.  Owing  to  the  impracticability 
of  voting  by  ball  and  cube,  the  ballot  should  be 
taken  by  slips  of  paper  on  each  of  which  should  be 
written  "yes ' >  or  J < no. '  !  Vol.  XXVII,  p.  714. 

Sec.  987.  The  desertion  of  wife  and  child  is  a 
Masonic  offense,  for  which  expulsion  may  not  be 
too  severe  a  penalty.  Vol.  XXVII,  p.  136. 

Sec.  988.  It  is  the  duty  of  Masonic  Lodges  to  pay 
the  expenses  of  their  deceased  members  and  the 
widows  and  orphans  who  are  dependent  upon  them. 
It  would  be  inequitable  and  unjust  to  require  one 
Lodge  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Masonic  Home  to  bury 
all  who  may  die  there,  at  an  expense  to  them.  Such 
expenses  as  are  necessary  in  performing  this  duty 
should  be  paid  by  the  Lodge  to  which  the  deceased 
belonged  or  under  whose  care  he  or  she  may  have 
been.  The  Lodge  incurring  the  expense  should  send 
its  claim  to  the  Lodge  of  the  deceased  and  it  should 
be  settled  by  such  Lodge.  The  Grand  Lodge  should 
not  be  required  to  pay  these  amounts;  the  burden  is 
on  the  Lodge,  and  should  be  met  by  it. 

Vol.  XXVII,  p.  110. 


REGULATIONS  FOK  THE  MASONIC 
HOME 


1.  Admission  to  the  Home  will  be  made  by  the 
Board  of  Trustees  on  nomination  of  the  Lodge  to 
which  the  applicant  belongs,  duly  certified  by  tne 
proper  officers  of  such  Lodge  under  seal. 

2.  The  Board  of  Trustees  reserves  the  right  to 
reject  any  person  nominated. 

3.  The  certificate  of  a  physician  (regular  prac- 
titioner) as  to  the  physical  and  mental  condition  of 
the  person  nominated  must  accompany  the  nomina- 
tion. Blank  forms  for  medical  certificate  will  be 
furnished  by  the  Board  of  Trustees. 

4.  The  absolute  relinquishment  of  guardianship 
of  orphans  must  be  given  by  their  parents,  or  guar- 
dians, before  their  admission  to  the  Home;  the 
necessary  legal  papers  therefor  to  be  furnished  by 
the  Lodge  making  the  nomination. 

5.  Transportation  and  attendance  to  the  Home, 
of  applicants  accepted  by  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
must  be  provided  by  the  Lodge  making  the  nomi- 
nation. 

6.  The  acceptance  or  rejection  of  an  applicant 
for  admission  will  be  made  known  to  the  Lodge 
making  the  nomination  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees. 

7.  Persons  admitted  to  the  Home,  not  complying 
with  the  regulations  established  for  its  government, 
or  whose  personal  habits  or  conduct  may  be  such 
as  to  disturb  the  peace  and  comfort  of  other  occu- 


556  REGULATIONS     FOR     THE     MASONIC     HOME 

pants  and  endanger  its  discipline,  may  be  dis- 
charged therefrom  by  the  Board  of  Trustees  and 
returned  to  the  Lodge  making  the  nomination. 

8.  A  Master  Mason  in  good  standing  in  a  Lodge 
of  this  jurisdiction  who  is  unable  to  support  him- 
self or  earn  a  livelihood,  is  of  good  character,  and 
free  from  disease,  of  temperate  habits,  not  addicted 
to  the  use  of  narcotics,  and  without  relatives  who 
by  process  of  law  can  be  compelled  to  support  him, 
may,  if  his  admission  does  not  interfere  with  the 
demands  of  orphans  and  widows  applying  for  ad- 
mission, be  admitted  to  the  home.  If  admitted  he 
must  agree  to  comply  with  the  regulations  of  the 
Home  and  perform  such  duties  as  may  be  assigned 
to  him  for  his  own  comfort  and  the  comfort  of  the 
other  inmates. 

9.  The  wife  of  a  Master  Mason  who  has  been 
admitted  to  the  Home  may,  in  the  discretion  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees,  also  be  received  therein,  if  she 
and  her  husband  so  wish,  upon  her  complying  with 
the  regulations  herein  prescribed  for  widows. 

10.  A  widow  whose  husband  was  a  member  of  a 
Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  and  in  good  standing  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  who  is  in  destitute  circum- 
stances, unable  to  earn  a  livelihood,  of  good  char- 
acter, free  from  disease,  of  temperate  habits,  not 
addicted  to  the  use  of  narcotics,  and  without  rela- 
tives who  by  process  of  law  can  be  compelled  to 
support  her,  may  also  be  admitted.  If  admitted,  she 
must  agree  to  comply  with  the  regulations  of  the 
Home  and  perform  such  duties  as  may  be  assigned 
her  for  her  own  comfort  and  the  comfort  of  the 
other  inmates. 

11.  An  orphan  under  the  age  of  16  years  whose 
father  was  a  member  of  a  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction 


REGULATIONS     FOR     THE     MASONIC     HOME  S57 

in  good  standing  at  the  time  of  his  death,  who  is  in 
destitute  circumstances  and  without  relatives  ami 
friendfl  who  can  be  legally  compelled  to  support  him 
or  her,  of  good  character  and  disposition,  and  free 
from  any  chronic  disease,  either  physical  or  mental, 
may  also  be  admitted. 

12.  When  an  application'  for  admission  to  the 
Home  is  presented  to  a  Lodge,  the  Master  shall 
appoint  a  committee  to  investigate  the  same,  who 
shall   report  in  writing. 

13.  The  Home  being  designed  for  worthy  and 
indigent  Masons,  their  wives,  widows  and  orphans, 
the  eligibility  of  applicants  for  admission  is  based 
upon  the  worthiness  of  the  Mason;  therefore  the 
full  Masonic  record  of  the  Mason  must  be  furnished, 
whether  the  applicant  is  a  Master  Mason,  his  widow 
or  orphan. 

14.  The  Lodge  to  which  an  application  for  ad- 
mission is  addressed,  when  satisfied  that  the  appli- 
cant is  worthy,  must  forward  copies  of  the  applica- 
tion, the  report  of  the  committee  and  the  action  of 
the  Lodge  thereon,  together  with  the  physician's 
certificate,  to  the  Board  of  Trustees. 

15.  The  Board  of  Trustees  may  consent  to  the 
binding  out  of  orphan  children  admitted  to  the 
Home  to  any  trade,  or  may  place  them  in  any 
proper  employment.  The  earnings  of  such  children 
while  occupants  of  and  supported  by  the  Home  shall 
belong  to  the  Board  of  Trustees,  and  shall  be  set 
apart  to  be  paid  to  such  orphan  upon  his  or  her 
retirement  from  the   Home. 

16.  In  consideration  of  his  or  her  admission  into 
and  maintenance  in  the  Home,  each  applicant  shall, 
before  his  or  her  admission,  execute  a  deed  of  con- 


558  REGULATIONS     FOR     THE     MASONIC     HOME 

veyance  to  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Masonic 
Home  of  California,  of  all  of  his  or  her  property, 
real,  personal  and  mixed,  then  owned  or  that  may 
thereafter  come  into  the  ownership  or  possession  of 
such  applicant,  or  to  which  he  or  she  may  become 
entitled;  any  life  insurance,  pension  or  income  from 
an  organization  of  any  kind  paying  benefits  that 
he  or  she  may  be  in,  or  that  may  come  into  his  or 
her  possession,  or  which  he  or  she  may  become  en- 
titled to.  Any  income  accruing  from  such  property 
may  be  expended  for  his  or  her  benefit,  but  the 
principal  shall  be  the  exclusive  property  of  the 
Association. 

17.  The  Board  of  Trustees  may  admit  to  the 
Home  Master  Masons,  their  wives,  widows  or  or- 
phans, not  covered  by  the  foregoing  regulations, 
upon  such  terms  as  they  may  deem  best. 

[Adopted  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  Sept.  14,  1898.] 


INDEX  TO  DECISIONS 


(The  figures  refer  to  the  Sections.) 

Absence — Master  or  one  Warden,  must  be  present 70 

Of  Master  and  Warden,  effect  of 464,   465,  883 

Abusive  Language — Is  a  Masonic  offense 

156,  160,  198,  200,  201,  207,  232,  234,  321,  430,  431,    639 
Accident — To   E.   A.   does  not   disqualify   for  the   other 

degrees     928 

Accused — Has  a  right  to  be  present  at  the  election  of 

Commissioners     54 

May  make  a  statement  in  his  own  behalf.. ..77,   336,   339 

Statement  of,   should  have  its  weight 77 

Statement  of   should  form  part  of  record  of  trial....     77 

Effect  of  reversal  of  decision  on 110 

May  appeal  from  the  decision  of  a  Commission 

Ill,    439,    610,   683 

Should  have  access  to  records 148 

Should  be  found  guilty   of  facts  proven 161,   375 

Must  be  notified  of  meeting  to  elect  Commissioners..   228 

May  object  to  any  Commissioner 229,   349,   350,   384 

Can  not  be  required  to  testify  against  himself 238 

Must  be  informed  of  his  right  to  counsel 239 

Admission  of   are   evidence 277 

When   should   be    acquitted 278 

Must  be   served  with  copy  of  summons 

290,   339,   576,   588,   682 

When  too  late  to  object  to  Commission 294 

Must  have  oportunity  to  produce  his  testimony. .3 10,  320 
When  objection  to  Commissioners  must  be  made. .350,  384 
Master  may  require  attendance  of  at  special  meeting  354 
Has  no   right   to    know  name   of   accused   at   special 

meeting 380 

May  object  to  Master  of  his  Lodge 384 

Is  entitled  to  reasonable  continuance 385,   394 

Can    not   be    compelled    to    undergo    trial    after   mid- 
night        385 

Must  have  notice  of  amendments  to  charges 394 

May    be    tried    when    acquitted    by    Grand    Jury    or 

Court   .....423,    468,   473 

Accuser — May  appeal  from  decision  of  Commission 

Ill,    439,   610 

Has  the  right  to  employ  a  brother  as  counsel 128 

Can  not  be  a   Commissioner 242 


560  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Accuser — Continued.  Sec. 

May  adduce  additional  evi.dence  on  appeal 274,   470 

.  Can  not  be  recalled  in   absence  of  accused 281 

Must  have  opportunity  to  produce  his  testimony 310 

Must  not  apply  abusive  epithets  to  the  accused 321 

If  Master  is,  he  cannot  preside  at  trial 352 

Has  right  to  be  present  during  whole  trial 379 

Should  not  determine  whether  trial  proceed  or  not....  424 

May   adduce  additional  argument,   on  appeal 470 

Time    in    which    additional    arguments    or    evidence 

must  be    adduced   470 

May  have  certain  charges   dismissed 564 

When  Master  is,  trial  cannot  be  held  in  his  Lodge....  596 
When  Master  is,  to  whom  charges  must  be  presented  597 

Acquittal — Is  no  bar  to  second  trial 37,    51,   550 

Rendering  verdict  of  in   despite  of  proof  of  guilt   is 

cause   for   charges    265,    301 

By  Grand  Jury,  or  Court,  is  no  bar  to  trial-423,  468,  473 
Judgment  of   should  not  be   disturbed,   except.. 550 

Acts — Mason  liable  for  those  committed  as  a  profane..     212 

Adjournment — When    dissolves    Commission 280 

Of  trial,  when  should  not  be  had 310,    385,   394 

Of  trial,  may  be  had  for  more  than  ten  days 478 

Admission — Of   visitors    (see   Visitors). 

Of  members,  may  be  refused 558 

Of   applicants,    vote    on    cannot   be    questioned 259 

Admissions — Of  accused,    are   evidence 277,   and  Vol.  VI 

Adultery — Not  conclusive  evidence  of  guilt 342 

When. may  be  conclusive  evidence  of  guilt 342,   429 

Advancement — Proficiency  is  the  requisite  for 8,   83 

Object  of  appointing  a  committee  on  objections  to....  84 
Committee  should  hear  all  testimony  on  objections....      84 

Candidate  should  be  heard  in  his  own  defense 84 

When  second  objection  for  same  cause  may  be  made..      85 

When   Master  should  confer  next   degree 86 

Of  E.  A.  who  has  removed  from  jurisdiction 97,    162 

Effect  of  valid  objection  to 109,    167 

When  party   may   re-apply 109,    167 

How  party    should  re-apply 109,    167 

Of  E.  A.  whose  Lodge  is  extinct 137 

On   demand,   charges  and  evidence   should  be  read....   152 

Of  E.  A.  or  F.  C.  when  dismembered 154 

Of  party  unable  to  read  and  write 331 

Where  should  be  applied  for 414 

New  ballot   for   is   not  necessary... '. 508 

Objection  to  may  be  made  by  member  of  other  Lodge  533 
When  second  objection  for  same  cause  cannot  be  made  562 
How  vote  should  be  taken  on  report  of  Committee....  927 
Objection  by  *party  not  a  member  of  the  Lodge  does 

not  prevent   934 

E.    A.    denied    advancement   must   be    carried    on    the 

rolls     975 

Fees  for  remaining  degrees  must  be  returned 975 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  f)(il 


Advancement — Continued.  Sec. 
Method    of    balloting    on    report    of    Committee    on 

Rejection     983 

Voting  on   report  should  be  by   secret  ballot 986 

Method    to    secure 964 

Denial    of    is    equivalent    to    rejection    for    remaining 

degrees  964 

Affidavit — Ex  parte  cannot  be  admitted  in  evidence  684,  748 

Affiliation — Applicant   for   must  present   dimit. .40,    158,  572 

Where  application  for  must  be  made.. 62,  80,  257,  422,  697 

How  often  application  for  may  be  made 64,  525,  546 

What  rejection   for  implies 64 

What  dues  applicant  for  must   pay 79,   418,  703 

Petitions  for  take  same  course  as  for  degrees 117 

Petitions    for     cannot     be     withdrawn     after     refer- 
ence      117,  541 

When  dimit  is  not  necessary 153 

Petitions    should    be    signed    with    full    name 185 

Applicant   for  must   not  be   lectured 484 

Applicant    for    must    prove    himself    to    be    a    Master 

Mason    492,  498 

Application   for,   places  party   in   good   standing.. 525,  703 
Applicant   for,    in    case   of   death,    is   entitled   to   Ma- 
sonic   burial    526 

New    application   requires    new   petition 525,  546 

Applicant   for  must   reside   in   California 561,  697 

When   election  is  void 573 

When  is  entitled  to  Masonic  burial 614 

Dues  paid  for  can  not  be  refunded 703 

Object  of  paying   dues   for 703 

When  application  for  may  be  received  without  dimit  726 
A   party    dimitted    from    Grand   Dieta    of   Mexico    be- 
fore its  recognition  may   affiliate   in  our  Lodges....  871 
Six   months'    dues   can   not  be   returned   to   applicant 

whose  dimit  is  less  than   two  years  old 930 

When  applicant  applies  to  Lodge  from  which  he  ob- 
tained   dimit,    application    takes    usual    course 970 

Agreement — Breach  of,   not  recognized  by  Lodge 100 

Amendment — To  charges,  when  should  be  allowed 394 

Notice  of  should  be  given  to  accused 394 

American    Doctrine — For    formation    of    Grand    Lodges 

284,  367 

Anniversaries — Date    of   dispensation   governs 948 

Answer — Construction   of   the    term 78 

Appeal — From   Grand   Master  not   alowed 2,  119 

From  Master  to  his  Lodge  not  allowed 2,  485 

Stays  sentence  of  reprimand 69,   493,   551,  554 

From   Master  to  Grand  Lodge   or  Grand  Master 105 

Only   accused  or  accuser  entitled   to Ill,  419 

Right  of,  belongs  to  any  member 439 

Additional  evidence  may  be   adduced,   on 470 

Additional   argument  may   be   adduced,   on 470 

When  may  be   taken  by   the  Master 516 


562  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Appeal — Continued.  Sec. 

Time  of  notice  of  is  very  important 584 

Time  in  which  it  must  be  taken 610 

Applicant   for   Degrees — Must  be   initiated,   where 27 

Qualifications  of 6,   89,   112,    168,   217,   400,  428,   548 

Must  be  declared  rejected  on  unfavorable  report  of 

committee    210 

Must  be  initiated  within  three  months 221 

When  may  be  initiated  after  three  months 222 

When    qualifications   of   may   be    discussed 224 

Who  has  lost  one  eye  is  not  qualified 267 

To  reject  is  the  sacred  right  of  any  member 315 

Member  of  another  Lodge  may  object  to 328 

Must  not  have  served  term  in  State's  Prison 371 

What  Lodge  has  right  to  fees  of 398 

What   Lodge   has    control   of 414 

Second  ballot   on   should  be   had 421 

When  not  necessary  to  have  resided  one  year 454 

To  whom,  how  and  when  objection  may  be  made....  455 

When   moral    character   of   should   be    determined 472 

Upon  what   status  depends 472 

Ballot  on  can  not  be  deferred 543 

When  rejected,   can  not  apply  in  another  Lodge  for 

one    year    602 

When    Jurisdiction    over    can    be    surrendered 605 

Residence    required    for 606 

When  petition  of  may  be  withdrawn 612,   881 

A  brother  must  not  gratify  personal  feelings  against   630 

Must  be  recommended  by  two  members 707 

Ts  not  required  to   furnish  references 707 

Must  be   21   years   of  age 939 

Archives — Records   of  trial  belong  to   secret 148 

Records  of  trial  must  be  filed  among  secret 299 

Army  Lodges — See  Sees.  903,  904,  905,  911,  912,  915,  916 

Arrears — Notice    of    must    be    given 125,   448 

Order  of  Master  to  give,  not  necessary 125 

Notice  of  must  have   seal  of  Lodge 125,   127 

Arrest    of    Charter — May    be    made    for    lack    of    har- 
mony      318,   642 

Assessments — Lodges  can  not  levy 39,   205 

Assistance — Lodges   must   render... .106,   255,   407,   408,   409 
Moneys   advanced   for   must   be   refunded 158 

Association,    Masonic    Veteran — Expenses    for    attend- 
ing can  not  be  paid  by  a  Lodge 696 

Attorney — Rules  of  Civil  Courts  apply  to «   164 

Must  not  be  compelled  or  allowed  to  reveal  secrets....   164 

Ballot — No   one   can  be  required  to   divulge   his 4 

One  negative   defeats   candidate 5 

When  one  negative,  second  should  be  had 5,   421,   543 

May   be   retaken   for   correction 5 

Must  be  had  at    stated    meeting 15 

Must  be  had  on    favorable   report 16 

Mistakes  in   should  be   corrected 43 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  563 


Ballot — Continued.  Sec. 
Cdii rse    to    be    pursued    when    not    corrected    immedi- 
ately     43 

Must  be  unquestioned 45,    113,  315 

Master  can  give  casting  vote  on 47 

When    Master  can   not  give   casting  vote  on 47,  650 

Vote  of  Commission  must  be  by 60 

Must   be   secret   and   sacred 113,  129 

Mi  son   must   not  make   known  his   vote 113,  140 

Mason  must  not  converse  about  with  candidate 123 

Offenses   against  law   of 129,  201 

Meaning   of   terms    "unanimous   vote   by" 135 

Discussion  of  unfavorable  not  allowable 139 

Master  must  not  declare  result  of  former 139 

None   must  be  had   on  unfavorable   report 210 

Casting  of  unfavorable  may  be  an  offense .'.  315 

Should   be   had   when    one   member    of    committee    is 

absent     401 

Meaning    of    "ballot" 651 

When  second  may  be  had  for  Master 693 

Lapse   of   time   does   not  necessitate   new 508 

Third  ballot   can  not  be  had 542 

Second  ballot  can  not  be  had  at  deferred  meeting....  543 

Balloting  can  not  be  postponed 936 

Proper   method   of   balloting 722 

Duty  of  Master  when  ballot-box  is  not  properly  pre- 
pared      914 

Number  of  cubes  that  should  be  in  box 913 

Separate  must  be  had  on  each  candidate 959 

No    provision    in    Uniform    Code    for    salaried    officer 

to    instruct    977 

Banquets — Can  not  be  paid  for  with  Lodge  Funds 

304,    634,    641,  702 

Begging  Circulars — Are  not  permitted 436 

Black  Ball — (See  Ballot.) 

Blanks — Should  not  be  counted  as  votes 425 

Board  of  Relief — Relative   to   payment   of  moneys 

158,    255,  611 

Extent  of  relief   that  may  be   given 158 

Is    not    required    to    extend    charity    beyond    Lodges 

composing  it   800 

Books — Secretary   must   not   permit   persons   not   mem- 
bers to  inspect  245 

Where  presented   for   examination... 458 

Lodge  can  not  pay  for  experting 796 

Burial,  Masonic — Not  allowed  to  persons  falling  in  duel  17 

Deceased  sojourning  brother  entitled  to 68 

Expense  of  burial  of  sojourner,  by  whom  borne 68 

Of   suicides    93,    170,  193 

Rites  of  Craft  must  have  precedence 258 

Suspended   Mason   not   entitled   to 334 

When  service  may  be  read  by  any  brother 465 

Applicant  for  affiliation   is  entitled  to 526,  614 


564  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Burial,   Masonic — Continued.  Sec. 

No  discretion  allowed  as  to  burial  of  Mason  in  good 

standing      549 

Of  Mason  belonging  to  another  jurisdiction 557 

Entered  Apprentice   cannot  receive 563 

Discretionary  power  of  Lodge  relative  to 608 

In  case  of  death  while  under  charges 618 

Not  to  be  granted  in  certain   cases  967 

Business — Seven  members  necessary  to  transact 42 

Degrees  may  be  conferred  with  less  than  seven 42 

Business  Difficulties — Lodge  not  the  place  to  settle 

90,    116,    252,   424 

When  Lodge  may   consider  90,    96,    100 

Not  recognized  by  Grand  Lodge 500,    572 

By-Laws — Violation   of   is   unmasonic 65 

Need  not  be  signed  on  restoration  for  dues 104 

Candidate — (See  Applicant   for  Degrees   and   Qualifica- 
tion.) 

Caucusing — Condemned    165 

Ceremonials — Of  the   Craft,  must  have  precedence 258 

Lodge   conducting   occupies   post   of  honor 404 

Position   of  other   societies   404 

Ceremony — Master  may  omit  part  of  opening  or  closing     71 
Master  must  not  waive  whole  opening  or  closing 71 

Certificate — Should  be  given  to  brother  withdrawing....   220 

Of   Inspector,    Master   must   have   256 

Of  Inspector,   must  be  sent  to   Grand  Lecturer 256 

Recommendatory  may  be  refused 316,   396 

When  it  is  duty  of  Inspector  to  refuse 523 

Effect    of    refusal    to    grant,    when    dimit    is    asked 

for  360,   372 

Certificate  of   Standing  may   take   the  place   of  dimit 
when  party  desires  to  join  another  Lodge 976 

Challenge — Of  Commissioners,  when  too  late  to  make.... 

53,    349,    350 

(See    Commissioners.) 

Character — Traducing  of  is  an  offense 99 

Of   applicant   may   be   discussed 224 

Slandering  the  character  of  citizens  is  a  crime 249 

Immoral   conduct   is   a  Masonic  offense 240 

Charges — All  members  must  be   notified  of 56 

Announcement  at  stated  meeting  is  not  notice  of 56 

Publication  in  paper  is  not  notice  of 56 

All  members   should  be   notified  in   due    season 56 

May  be  preferred  against  a  suspended  Mason 72 

When    suspended    Mason    resides    in    another    juris- 
diction          73 

Master  may   strike   out  portions  of 159 

Must   be   specific   159,    160,    180 

Certain  expressions  not  to  be  tolerated  in 160 

May  be  preferred  against  Past  Master  for  acts   com- 
mitted whilst  Master  183 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  565 


Charges— Continued.  Sec. 
Mav   be   preferred    for  acts  committed  before  becom- 
ing  a    Mason    212 

Of    fraud,    must    be   clearly   proved 203 

Preferred,    do   not    deprive   brother   of  rights 227,    619 

When    vote    must    he    had    on 278 

Must    be   free    from   duplicity 292 

Must    contain  what   292 

I  low  distinct  offenses  must  be  set  out 293 

Where    formerly    tried    306 

Power  to  try   is  a  delegated  power 306 

Master     must      consider     when     presented     by      any 

Mason    369,    686 

Where  preferred  in  case  of  removal 378,   522 

Accused  lias   no  right   to   know  party   charged 380 

When  amendments  to  should  he  allowed 394 

Notice   of   amendments   to   be    given 394 

Against  whom  may  be   heard 397 

Pendency  of  does  not  debar  from  installation 415 

Master  determines  validity  of 424,    686 

Of  murder,  Lodges  may  wait  for  decision  of  Court....   433 

May  be   withdrawn   at   any   time 469,   710 

Certain    can    not    he    withdrawn 511 

Master  may   dismiss   certain 564 

Master  may  refuse  to   entertin   certain 632 

Preferred   by    Secretary,    he    can   not    serve   on    Com- 
mission        685 

Must   be   presented   to   the   Master 686 

Lodge  can  not  act  relative  to  withdrawal  of 710 

When   may   he   withdrawn 710 

Should  not  be  read  at  meeting  to  elect  Commissioners   714 

Relative   to  when  preferred  against   Secretary 782 

Mav    be    withdrawn    previous    to    commencement    of 

trial,  but  not  after 830 

May  be  preferred  against  a  Fellow  Craft 960 

Charity — Funds  should  not  be  diverted  from 44 

Should  be  direct,  and  not  on  loan 799 

Charter — Can    not    be    granted    in    U.    S.    by    Foreign 

Grand   Lodge    1,      20 

WThat   requisite  to  entitle  a  new  Lodge  to 48 

What  may    forfeit    190 

May  be   arrested  for  lack  of  harmony 318,    642 

Revocation   of,    by   whom   exercised 643 

To  whom  members  exempt  should  pay  dues 646 

How  long  members  should  pay  dues  in  case  of  revo- 
cation  of   charter 646 

Effect   of   revocation   of - 647 

Effect    of    Surrender   of 647 

Clandestine — When   Lodges   are    20 

It  is  competent  for  the  Grand  Lodge  to  heal  Masons 

made   in 216 

It    is    competent    for    the    Grand   Lodge    to    authorize 
Lodges  to  heal  such , 216 


566  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 

Sec. 
Clothing,     Masonic — When     Masons     may     appear    in 

'. 114,    169,  965 

Grand  Master  may   grant   dispensation   to   appear  in 

114,  169 

Should  not  he  worn  at  Masonic  halls 114 

When  Grand  Master  can  not  grant  dispensations  to 

appear    in    603 

No    dispensation    necessary    when    decorating    graves 

of  deceased  brethren   663 

Grand  Master  can  not  grant  dispensation  to   appear 

in  at  divine  service 775,   856,  960 

Should   not   be    worn    on   parade    or    at    Church,    for 

religious  purposes   806,  965 

Collations — Must  not  be  paid  for  with  Lodge  Funds....  364 

Color — Distinction    of    not    recognized....217,   260,    303,  793 

Charters  may  be  granted  without  regard  to 218 

Commission — Meetings   to    elect   can   not  be   advertised 

in    papers    67 

Full  record  of  proceedings  must  be  kept 124 

Master  can  not  fill   vacancies   in 126 

Master    should    remain   with 134 

Packing  a,  can  not  be  tolerated 172 

Master   is   Chairman   of 202 

Findings  of  must  not  be  on   detached  paper  without 

seal     243 

Lodge  not  responsible  for  acts  of 266 

Failure  to  meet  at  time  appointed  dissolves 280,  585 

Can  not  recall  accuser  after  dismissal 281 

When  decision  of  should  be  announced 295 

No  discussion  allowable  on  decision  of 295 

Meetings  of  should  be  at  reasonable  hours 385 

Judgment  of,   how  reviewed 419 

Any  brother  may  appeal  from  decision  of   (See  Sec. 

683)     439 

Grand  Lodge  alone  has  power  to  set  aside  judg- 
ment  of   471 

Can  not  review  finding   after  signing 487 

Manner   of   arriving   at  findings 578,   582,  591 

Should  meet  at  time   appointed 586 

If  not  ready  to  proceed,  should  adjourn 586 

Findings  of  must  be  signed  by  all 587 

Certain   parties    disqualified   to    act   on 617 

Secretary  when  accuser  can  not  act  as  Secretary  of-  685 

Failure  to  adjourn  in  accordance  with  law,  it  dies....  681 

Master  appoints  time  and  place  of  meeting  of 686 

When  second  meeting  must  be  held  to  elect 706 

Duty   of  Master  in  case   of  failure   to   agree 766 

Commissioners — Are  judges  of  credibility  of  witnesses... .50 

Too  late  to  challenge  after  assembling 53,  350 

Accused  has  right  to  be  present  at  election  of 54 

Majority  of  may  proceed  with  trial 59,    126,  480 

Majority    of    all    necessary    for   judgment 

...61,    126,    480,   515,    535,  556 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  567 


Commissioners — Continued.  Sec. 

Effect  of  reversal  of  judgment  of 110,  521 

Judgment   of  majority   is  judgment   of  Lodge 

Ill,   313>  683 

Accused  or  accuser  may   appeal  from  judgment  of.— 

Ill,  419 

May  find  on  part  of  facts  charged 142,  144 

Should  find  accused  guilty  of  facts  proven 161,  375 

Notification  of  meeting  to  elect  must  have  seal 181 

Can  not  elect  a   chairman 202,  297 

Notice  must  be  given  of  meeting  to  elect. ...225,   344,  686 

Can   not   issue    summons 226 

Accused  must  be  notified  of  meeting  to  elect 228 

Can   not   be   witnesses 229,   402,  403 

Must  sign  transcript  on  appeal 230 

Must  be  elected  at  special  meeting 235 

Master  can  not  be   one 241 

Accuser  can   not  be   one 242 

Non-compliance  with  their  duty  is  an  offense 246 

Must  act  on  their  own   convictions 264 

Are  the  sole  judges  of  facts  proved 264 

When    would    be    unworthy 265 

Must  sign  the  whole  record 285 

Charges    may    be    made    against 301 

May  participate  in  latter  part  of  trial 311 

Can  not   act  on   second   trial 346,  556 

First   qualification   of 347 

Accused  may  object  to 349,  384 

When  new  election  for  must  be  had 349 

When   are   disqualified  to   act 353 

Qualifications    of   may   be    canvassed 354 

Master   determines   objections   to 354 

Master  may  require  attendance  of  accused 354 

When  objetcion  to  must  be  made 384 

Master  may  be  objected  to.— 384 

Can  not  act  as  counsel 417 

Must    be    Master    Mason 420 

Must  be  elected  by  Master  Masons 420 

Presence  of  majority  at  trial  sufficient 479,  556 

Vacancy  in  office  of  not  provided  for 480 

Need  not  be  present  at  time  of  election 544 

Majority  of  those  present  may  not  be  sufficient 556 

What   ones  may   participate   in  findings 581 

Accused  has  right  to  vote  for 715 

Are  not  limited  to  any  number  of  ballots 768 

Committee    on    Investigation — Minority    report    of    can 

not   be   received    150 

Duty  not  complete  until  majority  report 150 

Object   of   Committee 224 

Qualifications  of  candidate,   on  favorable  report  may 

be   considered    224 

Reports  of  must  be  in  writing 401 

Verbal  reports  can  not  be  received.      (See  Sec.  981)  401 


568  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Committee   on   Investigation — Continued.  Sec. 

Members  of  must  make  their  own  report 401 

No  ballot  can  be  had  on  unfavorable  report 401 

Ballot  may  be  had  on  majority  report,  when 401 

When  guilty  of  gross  neglect 657 

Reading  of  names   in   discretion  of  Lodge 954 

(See   Gen.   Regulation   Nos.    81   and   83;    also    Sec. 
981. 

Communication,   Masonic — Who  not  admitted  to 27 

When  one  Mason  may  hold  with  another 34 

When  one  Lodge  may  hold  with  another 34 

Visitor  must   know   that   Lodge   has   lawful   authority.... 34 

Lodges  can  not  have  with  "negro  Masons" 215 

Conduct — -Immoral  is  a  Masonic  offense 240 

No  limitation  for  prosecution  for  unmasonic 524 

Consolidation  of  Lodges — Reference  to  plan  for 553 

Relative    to    name    and    number    of    Lodges    consoli- 
dating        897 

New  Lodge  responsible  for  debt  of  old 570 

Lodges   can   not  avoid  their  debts  by 636 

Constitution — Provides  remedy  for  abuse  of  power  by 

Master 63 

Neglect  of  principles  may  forfeit  charter 190 

Construction  of  Testimony — By  whom  given 52 

Of  the   terms    "to   appear  and  answer" 78 

Of  the  terms    "sixty    days'    notice" 147 

Of  the  term    "State"    569 

Of  terms    "Masonic  residence" 599 

Continuance — Of  trial,  when  should  be  had.. ..310,   385,   394 

Contract — When  Lodge  should  consider  breach  of 252 

Contribution — To  retain  standing  is  done  away  with 

(See   Constitution,    Sec.    1,    Art.    II,    Part   V.) 

Contributions — Petitions  for  can  not  be  circulated 704 

Convict — Petition  of  State  Prison,  can  not  be  received  371 
Convocation — Of  Present  or  Past  Masters,  object  of....      28 

Corporation — Within  a  Lodge  is  dangerous 282 

Counsel — Accuser  may  employ  128 

Rules  of  Civil  Court  apply  to 164,    298 

Accused  must  be  informed  of  his  right  to 239 

Any   Master   Mason,    in    standing,   may   act   as 298 

A  Commissioner  can  not  act  as 417 

Court  Records — Sufficient  proof  in  trials 388,   429,   433 

N.  B. — In  Decision  433  the  word   "must"   should 
be    "may.' 
Cremation — Funeral   service  may  be  conducted  in  case 

of 858 

Crimes — (See    Offenses.) 

Criminal  Proceedings — (See  Charges.) 

Cubes — May  be  used  instead  of  .black-balls 540 

None  in  box,  no  cause  for  objection 629 

Must  be  one-third  of  whole  number  in  box 918 

Dancing  Party — May  be  held  in  Masonic  Halls 488 

Daughter  of  Master  Mason 962 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  569 

Sec. 
Debate — Master    should    leave    chair    if    he    desires    to 

participate    in    .  

Debt — Relative   to  non-payment    of 12,    90,    494 

When    Lodge   may   notice   cases  of 90,    435 

Inability    to    pay.    not    ati    offense 279,    343,    637,    717 

Xot   the  business  of   Lodges  to  enforce  payment  of....   435 

Lodges    should    not    incur 436 

Of  consolidated  Lodges,  new  Lodge  must  pay 570 

Simple  non-payment   of   not    sufficient   to   convict 772 

Decision — No    appeal   from    that    of   Grand   Master 2 

No  appeal  from  Master's  to  Lodge 2,   485 

Of  Master   should   be   respected 105 

Of  Commission,   when   to   be   announced 295 

Defamatory    Statements — Masons    should  not   originate 

or     circulate     143 

Defrauding — By  false  representations,  is  an  offense 197 

In  non-payment  of  debt,   is  necessary  to  incure  cen- 
sure       279 

Is  cause  for  suspension  or  expulsion 308 

Deformity — Physical    disqualifies    for    degrees.. ..6,   400,   921 

Degrees — Grand  Master  can  not  confer  at  sight 3 

Deformity   debars   from   6,    400 

Without  lectures  are  not   complete 21,    505 

Of  Present  and  Past   Master,   what  recognized  as  ....      28 

Who  are  entitled  to  confer 31 

"Side",  no   part   of   Masonry 36 

"Side,"    conferring  of  in   Masonic  Lodge-rooms  dis- 
countenanced           36 

Of   Past   Master's,    explanation   of 921 

May  be  conferred  with  less  than  seven  members 42 

Qualifications    of    applicants    for.       (See    Applicants 

'  for   degrees.) 
When  conferred  by  one  Lodge  at  request  of  another   163 
Permission  by  Lodge  to  confer  is   relinquishment  of 

rights   163 

Petitions  must  be   signed  with  full  name 185 

Petitions  for  must  be  recorded  with  full  name 185 

What  ones  are  recognized  by  Grand  Lodge 219 

When  fee  for  is  forfeited 221,    222 

Grand  Lodge  has  control  of  first  three 261,    262 

Who  can  not  be  invited  to  confer 332 

Method  of  procedure   when   part  has   been  had  else- 
where     413 

Petition  for  can  not  be  withdrawn  after  reference 541 

Party   ruptured   not    eligible    for 548,    921 

Can  not  be  conferred  gratuitously 652 

Petition  for  from  certain  parties 689 

When  charter  has  been  surrendered 692 

Applicant    for   must   be    recommended    by    two    mem- 
bers of  Lodge  707 

Applicant  for  is  not  required  to  furnish  references....   707 
May    be    conferred    by    request    on    party    from    any 
State  723 


570  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Degrees — Continued.  Sec. 

True  reason   for  delay   in   conferring  degrees   should 

be    given    732 

Permission  to  confer  by  another  Lodge,  how  given....   735 
Can  not  be   conferred   by   another  Lodge,    except  on 

request   or   permission   747 

Work  of  conferring  3rd,  must  be  completed  at-  meet- 
ing when  begun   751 

Party  elected  to  receive  the  degrees  in  a  Lodge  may 
at   request   of   the  Lodge  receive   them  in   another 

Lodge    829,    890 

Certain  party  can  not  receive  by  means  of  interpreter  833 

Conferring  on  request  is  an  act  of  courtesy 850,   924 

Party  refusing  to  take  remaining  degrees  is  not  en- 
titled to  return  of  fees 851,   879 

Party  on  whom  degrees  are  conferred  by  request  is 

a  member  of  Lodge  making  request 888 

Delinquents — Must   be    notified 125,   333 

Demonstrations — Lodges  should  not  take  part  in  public  169 

Demurrer — To  charges,  when  can  not  be  sustained 613 

Depositions — When  no  part   of  trial-record 579 

When  not  entitled  to  consideration 579 

How    taken    686 

Desertion  of  Wife — Good  cause  for  expulsion 987 

Dimit — Applicant     for     affiliation     must     deposit     with 

Secretary  40,   573 

If  lost,  reasons  must  be  filed  with  Secretary... 40,   573 

In  certain  cases  member  need  not  accept 360,   372 

(See   Regulation    75.      The    No.    875    in    Sec.    372, 
should  be  874.) 

What   constitutes   a   proper   one 370 

When    void    438 

By  whom  must  be  applied  for 545 

Must  be  in  accord  with  regulation  where  granted 601 

If  lost,  party  can  receive  a  duplicate 892 

Certificate  may  be  presented  in  lieu  of 896 

Relative  to  dues  in  case  of  lapse  of  time 976 

Remarks    relative    to    certificate 976 

Dimitted  Mason — Where  should  apply   for  affiliation.... 

257,    697 

When  can  not  sign  petition  for  new  Lodge 399 

Must  be  a  resident   of  jurisdiction 561 

Dinners — Must  not  be  paid  for  with  Lodge  funds 304 

Diploma — Not  sufficient  evidence   to   admit  visitor 698 

Discipline — Good   causes   for.     (See    Offenses) 315,   316 

Dismembered — (See    Qualification.) 

Disobedience — Of   Constitution  may   forfeit   charter 190 

Of  gavel,  cause  for  suspension  or  expulsion 450,   583 

Dispensation — To  confer  degrees  out  of  time 38 

To  re-ballot  for  candidates 38 

To    appear    in   public   procession 114,    169 

To  elect  at  other  than  constitutional   time 325 

Can  not  be  granted  to  appear  on  Fourth  of  July 603 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  571 


Dispensation — Continued.  Sec. 

Grand   Master   can   not   grant   to   receive   petition   of 

party  not  twelve  months  in  this  State 700 

Disposal  of  Property — Lodge  has  power  of 426 

Disqualification —  ( See   Qualification. ) 

Dissipation — On   part   of   Master 393 

Districts — Grand   Master   authorized   to    divide 300 

Divorce — Not  conclusive  evidence  of  guilt 342 

Sufficient    when    corroborated 429 

Divulging — Of  vote  on  candidate  can  not  be  required....        4 

Dropping  From  Roll — Is  no   longer  in  force 83,  414 

Drunkard — Habitual,   is   amenable   — 307 

Drunkenness — Is   a   Masonic   offense 206,   296,   307 

Dueling — Is  repugnant  to  teachings  of  Masonry 17 

Is   just   cause   for   expulsion 17 

Party  falling  by,  not  entitled  to  Masonic  honors 17 

Dues — Suspension  for  non-payment  of,  is  absolute 65 

Disabilities   of   suspension   for  non-payment   of 65 

Difference    between    suspension    for    non-payment    of 

dues   and   that   for  unmasonic    conduct 65 

May   be  remitted  to   restore  a  brother 76 

When   not  necessary   to  require 79 

Member  having  paid  may   withdraw 91 

Payment   of   restores    a   brother 104 

Cease  during  suspension  for  unmasonic  conduct.. 120,   121 

Secretary  must  give  notice  of  delinquency  in 125,   333 

Notice  of  arrears  for  must  have  Lodge  seal 125,   127 

Discretion  of  Lodge  relative   to 166 

Operation  of  law  suspends  for  non-payment  of— .166,   336 

Object  for  collection  of 205 

Penalty  for  refusal  or  neglect  to  pay 205 

When  member  shall  be  suspended  for  non-payment  of  305 

Of  suspended  member  may  be  remitted 333 

When    they    commence 361 

May  be  paid  by  brother  on  his  death-bed 381,   509 

Remission   of  left   to   Lodge 395 

When  Secretary  might  refuse  to  receive 434 

General  rule  relative  to  payment  of 434 

Member  delinquent  six  months  must  be  suspended.—  447 
Member   can   not  be    suspended  without   opportunity 

to  show  cause  448 

To  whom  payable  when  charter  is  arrested 646 

How  long  payable  when  charter  is  revoked 646 

May  be  remitted  for  services  in  instructing 709 

Non-affiliate    must    pay    six   months'    dues    to    entitle 

him  to  apply  for  affiliation 720,   721 

Of  affiliated  Masons,  when  begin  to  accrue 720 

Extension   of  time  to  pay   does  not  entitle  party   to 

vote  at  elections  760 

Annual,  from  Lodges,   provided  for 789 

Can  not  be  remitted  for  stated  period 798 

Inability  to  pay  is  not  valid  reason  for  non-payment 
of,  unless  Lodge  has  notice 811 


572  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Dues — Continued.  Sec. 

Duty  of  every  Mason  to  pay  if  able 832 

A   resolution   restricting   remission    of   is   unconstitu- 
tional       831 

Of  brother  not  able  to  pay  should  be  remitted 979 

Duty — Of    Masons    to   respectfully    submit   to    Master's 

ruling     105 

Of  Mason  to  be  a  member  of  some  Lodge 721 

Election — Of  Commissioners,  accused  may  be  present  at     54 

Of  officers,    caucusing    for    condemned 165 

Of  officers,   effect  of   failure   to   hold 283 

Annual   can  not   be   held   on    St.   John    the   Baptist's 

Day     330 

Of   Grand    Officers,    relative    to 446 

Of  officers,   when  void  475 

Who  are  entitled  to  vote  at 547 

In   case  Master-elect   declines 693 

In  case  election  is  not  completed  at  meeting  held  for 

purpose,    dispensation   must  be  had 931 

A  dispensation  can  not  be  granted  to  hold  on  account 

of    dissatisfaction    861 

Of  officers,   when  must   be   held 857 

At  other  time  than  provided  in  Constitution  is  void..   757 
Must   stand   in   certain    cases 777,   875 

Electioneering — Condemned     165,    750,    753 

Document   when   not    forbidden 268,    269 

Eligible — Parties  in  arrears   for  dues   are  not 547 

Embezzlement — A    gross    Masonic    offense 141,   254 

Emblems-—-!! se   of  on   signboards   condemned 19 

Must  not  be  used  for  advertising 323 

Relating  to   use    (per  contra) 497 

Must  not  be  printed  on  ball  tickets 802 

Entered   Apprentice — Advancement   requisite    for 8,   83 

May  apply  to  another  Lodge  for  degrees,  how 97 

Method  of  procedure  when  his  Lodge  is  extinct 137 

May  be  advanced  even  though  dismembered 154 

.  Status   when    another   Lodge    confers    degrees    by    re- 
quest         162 

Status  when   another  Lodge   confers   degrees  by   per- 
mission        162 

Can  not  be  members  of  a  Lodge 712 

Are  not  entitled  to  all  privileges  and  benefits 712 

When   should  be   tried  on  charges 733 

Name  of  dropped  from  roll  should  be  restored  to  roll   922 

Epileptic    Fits — Degrees    not    to    be    conferred    on    one 

subject    to    649 

Escort — Lodge    can    not    appear    as    when    services    are 

performed   by    other    societies 386 

Lodge    may    invite    other    societies    to    join    as    escort 
or    otherwise 386 

Evidence — When  should  be  held  insufficient 101 

Must  be  sent  up  on  appeal 187 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  573 


Evidence — Continued.  Sec. 

Of  one   witness   when    not    sufficient 194 

Written   must   appear  in    transcript 209 

Additional  may   be  had  on   appeal 470 

Admissions  of   accused  mav   be  received  as 277 

Hearsay   can   not  be   taken 155,    287,    312,   387,   389 

How    should   be    given 288 

Certain    statements    not    evidence 289 

Transcript  of  Court  records  is  sufficient 388,   429 

Examinations — Private  do  not  entitle  to  vouch 139 

Of  Candidates  to   the   lecture  of  the   3rd  Degree  not 
practicable     787 

Ex  Parte — When  trial  may  be  had 410,   432 

What  should  be  shown  to  justify 576 

Affidavit  can  not  be  admitted  in  evidence 684 

Expelled  Mason — Who  has  right  to  restore 58 

Expense — Traveling,  when  may  be  paid 107 

Extraordinary  should  be  met  by  increase  of  dues 660 

Certain   can  not  be  paid 696 

Expulsion — From  R.  A.   Chapter,  effect  of 23 

Good  causes   for   99 

Reversal  of  judgment  of  restores  to  good  standing....   521 

Expunging   Records — Not   in   order 437 

Eye — Loss  of  one   disqualifies   for  degrees.      (See   Sec. 

921    and   Regulation    II) 267 

Fees — When  one  Lodge  may  claim  of  another 35 

Claim  to  is  determined  by  residence 35 

Which  Lodge  is  entitled  to  in  certain  cases 173,   398 

When  candidates  forfeits  to  Lodge 221 

Amount  of  to  be  paid  by  applicant  for  affiliation 418 

Must  be  returned  to  rejected  candidate 568 

Part  of  fees  returned  when  refused  advancement 653 

Right    to,    how    determined 842 

Fellow  Craft — Requisites   for   advancement 8,   83 

Advancement   of   when    dismembered 154 

Advancement     after     removal     from     jurisdiction     of 

Lodge     162 

When  petition  for  degree  of  can  be  received 689 

Can  not  be  members  of  a  Lodge 712 

Are  not  entitled  to  benefits  and  privileges 712 

Charges  may  be  preferred  against 960 

Findings — Vote  on  must  be  by  ballot 60 

Must  not  be  on  detached  paper 243 

Who   may   participate   in 581 

How   to   be   rendered 669 

Fines — Lodge    can   not   impose 192 

Flag,     American — No     authority     for    decorating     altar 

with 818 

Floor-Workers — Masters  should  appoint - 440 

Fraud — Charge  of  must  be  clearly  proven.... 203 

Is   good. ground  for  suspension  or  expulsion 308 

Full  Name — All  petitions  must  be  signed  with 185 

Must  be  used  in  roll  books,  etc 185 


574  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 

Sec. 

Funds — Can  not  be  paid  for  jewels 10 

Must  not  be  diverted  from  charity 44,   304,   607,  641 

Lodge   should  retain  control  of  its  own 282 

For  what  purposes  are  gathered 304,  519 

When  warrants   can  not  be   drawn   for 364 

Must  be  paid  by  Secretary  when  received 382 

Can  not  be  used  to  pay  funeral  expenses  of  non- 
affiliate     621 

Can  not  be  used  for  charity  outside  of  Fraternity 622 

Should  not  be  used  for  banqueting  purposes 634,  641 

E.  A.  or  F.  C.  Lodges  have  no  control  over 712 

Can    not    be    given    to    widows    of    E.    A.    or    F.    C. 

Masons     712. 

Can  not  be  donated  to  members  for  any  purpose 945 

Can  not  be  expended  for  floral  pieces 944 

Can  not  be  used  to  procure  presents  for  officers 759 

Can  not  be  donated  to  Salvation  Army 797 

Stated  sum  can  not  be  appropriated 798 

Can  not  be  loaned  on  mortgage  to  widow  of  deceased 

Mason     799 

Can  not  be  used  for  relief  of  E.  A.  or  F.  C 818 

Retiring  Master  has  no  right  to 795 

Can  not  be  used  for  experting  books 796 

Can  not  be  used   to  pay  premium  on  life  insurance 

policy     822 

Can  not  be  used  to  pay  rent  for  Eastern  Star 863 

Can  not  be  divided  between  Lodge  and  members  nor 

with  a  new  Lodge 894 

Are  held  for   charity   920 

Rent  of  halls  is  part  of  gross  income 973 

Funerals — When  Lodge  may  appear  at 386 

When  Lodge  must  not  appear  at 386,  481 

Position  of  Lodge  in  procession  at 386,  705 

Lodge  may  invite  other  bodies  to 386,  705 

Lodge  must  retire  after  service  performed 386,  444 

Lodge  can  not  prevent  service  of  other  Bodies.. ..386,  705 

Other  orders  should  not  be  allowed  to  participate  in  444 

When   Lodge   may  refuse   to   pay  expenses  of 

445,    621,  691 

When  Lodge  can  not  be  opened  for 465 

When  ceremony  may  be  read  by  any  Mason 465 

Where  Lodge  should  be  opened  at 555 

Lodge    can   not    attend   when    conducted   by    Knights 

Templar      667 

Duty  of  Lodge  to  attend 691 

When   must   conduct   ceremonies   at 691 

When  should  pay  expenses  of 691 

Duty    of   a    Lodge    to    attend    funeral    of    a    deceased 

Mason  957 

Members  should  attend  funeral  of 957 

Master  may  compel  members  by  summons 957 

Gambling — Is    a    Masonic    offense 95,  272 

Gavel — Should  be  carried  at  funerals 327 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  575 


Gavel — Continued.  Sec. 

Should  be  carried  at  general  public  occasions 327 

Should  always  be  obeyed 327,   450 

Disobedience  of  is  gross  unmasonic  conduct 450,   583 

Government — Laws  of  should  be  construed  liberally 88  . 

Grand  Lecturer — When  duties  of  are  performed 368 

Not  his  duty  to  qualify  officers 411 

Requested  to  prepare  installation  service 441 

Requested  to  prepare  monitorial  work 442 

Ritual  taught  by  is  the  only  work 459 

Grand  Lodge — Will   not   countenance   the   formation  of 

Lodges  in  the  U.  S.  by  Foreign  Grand  Lodges 1,   20 

Extent    of    jurisdiction    of 7 

May    try    Grand   Master 14,   25 

Restriction  on  in  formation  of  Lodges 18 

Will  not  tolerate  infringement  of  jurisdiction 27 

Has   exclusive    territorial   jurisdiction 74 

Has  power  to  restore  suspended  Mason 103 

When  will  exercise  power  of  restoration 103 

Can  compel  Lodges  to  do  justice 189 

Can  grant  power  to  form  Lodges  without  "regard  to 

color' '    218 

Recognizes   no    authority   to    grant .  charters   in    Cali- 
fornia, except  its  own  219 

Recognizes  no  title  of  33rd  Degree 219 

Recognizes  none  but  the  three  degrees 219 

Can  not  inquire  into  vote  against  applicants 259 

Has  control  of  first  three  degrees 261,   262 

Can  not  divest  itself  of  power  to  try  charges 306 

Can  not  deprive  a  Mason  of  his  rights  without  due 

process   of   law    339 

American  doctrine   concerning 284,   367 

Does  not  meddle  with  political  or  religious  matters..   366 

Alone  has  power  to  set  aside  judgment 471 

Has  no  jurisdiction  until  after  verdict 536 

Is  the  only  power  that  can  reverse  decisions  of  the 

Grand   Master  674 

Executive  powers  to  include  what 677 

Can  not  restore  to  membership 719 

Establishment  of  Supreme  not  approved 817 

Grand  Master — Can  not  confer  degrees  at  sight 3,   24 

Is  but  a  creature  of  the  Grand  Lodge 13 

Possesses  no  implied  powers 13,   24 

May  be  tried  by  the  Grand  Lodge 14,   25 

May   grant  certain   dispensations 38,   114,   169,  451 

May  divide  districts  as  may  be  necessary 300 

May  appoint  Inspectors  for  new  districts 300 

Power  in  regard  to  harmony  in  Lodges 318 

When  should  transfer  trial  of  cases 352 

Whom  may  appoint  as  Inspector 365 

Oan  not  stay  judgment  of  Lodge 493 

Can  not  authorize  conferring  of  the  three  degrees  on 
the  same  candidate  on  one  evening 560 


576  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Grand  Master — Continued.  Sec. 

Decisions  of,  by  whom  reversed 674 

Authority    of    677 

Can    not    grant    dispensation    to    receive    petition    of 
party  not  twelve  months  in  this  State 700 

Grand    Officers — Election    of 446 

Grievances,    Committee    On — Can   not    be    cognizant   of 

facts   outside   of  record 250 

Can   not   be   cognizant   of   standing  of   applicants   for 

restoration     250 

Object  of  274 

May    hear   additional    evidence 274 

Guilty — Plea  of,  must  be  made  by  accused  himself 432 

Harmony — Power  of  Grand  Master  relative  to 318 

Healed — How  irregular  Mason  may  be 27 

Mason  may  be  by  Grand  Lodge 216 

Mason  may  be  by  Lodge 216,   749 

Hearsay  Testimony — (See  Testimony.) 

Honorary  Membership — Nothing  to  justify  such  title...      82 

Honors — (See  Burial.) 

Humpbacked — Such     party     disqualified.        (See      Sec. 

921) 400 

Immoral  Conduct — Is  a.  Masonic  offense 240 

Incorporation   of  Lodges — Impolitic   and   dangerous 282 

Under  State  laws,  not  allowed 489 

Lodges  may  hold  stock  in  incorported  companies 490 

Nothing  gained  by    512 

Indebtedness — (See  Debt.) 

Indictment — By   Grand   Jury  not   sufficient   evidence   of 

guilt   s 433 

Infringement — Of  jurisdiction  not  allowed 

1,    20,    27,    35,    74,    81 

Initiation — Effect    of   objection    to 108 

Masons  may  be  tried  for  acts  committed  before 212 

Members  of  another  Lodge  may  object  to.      See  Sec. 

711  328 

Members  not  entitled  to  know  name  of  objector 427 

Objection  may  be  made  orally  or  in  writing 455 

Objection  may  be  made  in  or  out  of  Lodge 455 

Member  of  another  Lodge  can  not  object  to 711 

In    case    of    physical    disqualification,    the    candidate 

should   not   be   initiated 881 

Fee  for  can  not  be  remitted 932 

Inspector — Master   must   have    certificate   of 256,   319 

Grand   Master   appoints 300 

Must  be   resident   of  his   district 345 

Must  visit  every  Lodge  once  a  year 345 

Whom  Grand  Master  can  appoint  as 365 

Need   not   examine    re-elected   Master 383,   412 

Does  not  examine  moral  fitness  of  Master 390 

His  duty  to  qualify  officers  of  Lodge 411 

When  need  not  examine  a  Past  Master..: 412 

May  judge  of  necessity  for  visiting  Lodge 443 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  577 


Inspector — Continued.  Sec. 

When   Lodge  must  pay  expenses  of 443 

When    shall    not   be   reappointed 460 

Must  examine  Lodges  as  to  payment  of  dues 461 

Is   authorized   To   correct   work   of   Lodges: 476 

Authority   of  must   be   respected 502 

May   convene  a  Lodge  for  inspection 502 

Should    report    Master    for    refusal    to    convene    his 

Lodge     502 

Must  refuse  certificate  to  Master  who  fails  to  qualify  523 

Must  report  Master  who  fails  to  qualify 523 

Officers  of  new  Lodge  do  not  need  certificate  of 604 

Must    examine    Master   on    Constitution 644 

Installation — Immediate   not  essential 325 

Grand  Lecturer  to  prepare  service   for 441 

Is  void  unless   Master  have   certificate 467 

Service  adopted  by  Grand  Lodge  is  for  ritual  for 474 

May   be  public   or  private 513 

Is  duty  of  Master  to  perform 528 

Master-elect  may  not   select  installing  officer 528 

Not  void  if  performed  by  Past  Master  selected 528 

Procedure  in  case  of  absence  of  the  Master-elect 724 

There  can  be  none  by  proxy 725,  758 

Absent  officers  may  be  afterward  installed 725 

Can  not  enter  on  duties  until  installed 725 

Past   Master  may   install 755 

Intemperance — Is   no    excuse 143,   296,    307,  431 

Habitual   may   be   punished 373 

Habitual  is  a  gross  offense 638 

Intoxication— Is  no   excuse  for  wrong ; 143,  431 

Intoxicated  member  may  be  excluded 558 

Investigation — Committee  on — (See  Com.  on  Investiga- 
tion). 

Irregular  Mason — Who  considered  such 27 

How    healed 27 

Jewels — Lodge  funds  can  not  be  used  to  purchase 10 

Jeopardy — No  one  can  be  placed  in  twice 550 

Judgment — (See  Commission  and  Commissioners.) 

Jurisdiction — Infringement  of  not  allowed... 

- 1,    20,    27,    35,    74,    81 

Is    determined    by    residence 73 

Grand  Lodges  have  exclusive  territorial 74 

Lodge  has  exclusive  right  in  its  own  territory 81 

Extent   of   should  be   known   by   Lodge ! 81 

Of  Lodge  extends  to  geographical  center 130 

The  air  line   governs 130 

Of   Lodge    after    removal 247 

Suspension  without  is  void .■ 340 

To  whom  fees  are  paid  on  surrender  of 398 

Of  offenses,  how  obtained 575 

Over   rejected    candidates 602,  729 

Over  profanes,  when  can  not  be  surrendered 605 


578  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Jurisdiction — Continued.  Sec. 

Can   not   be  waived  in   case   of  rejected  candidate   in 

less   than   twelve  months 727 

When    perpetual    is    recognized    by    Grand    Lodge    of 

California 728 

Waiver  of  in  certain  case  not  complete  if  rejected  by 

Lodge  to  which  is  granted... 827 

An    E.    A.    belongs    to    the   place    where    he    took    the 

degree    B52 

Any  of  the  concurrent  Lodges  may  waive  jurisdiction    898 

Of    Lodges    having   concurrent    jurisdiction 917 

Relative  to  waiver  of  in  case  of  E.  A .'. 923 

Request   for  waiver  of  should  be   referred  to  a   com- 
mittee and  lie  over  one  month 984 

Ballot  on  report  of  committee  should  be  secret 984 

If  request  be  refused  another  concurrent  Lodge   can 

not  grant  it  inside  of  twelve  months 984 

Justice — Grand   Lodge    can    enforce 189 

Knights  Templar — Suspension  for  dues  does  not   affect 

standing  23 

Lodges  can  not  attend  funerals  conducted  by 667 

Land  Marks — Duty  of  Grand  Master  in   case  of  viola- 
tion of   771 

Language — (See  Offenses.) 

Laws — Lodges    should    obey 43 

Masonic,   how  construed 78,    88 

Of  morality,   should  be  strictly  construed 88 

Of  the  land,   violations  of  are  offenses 377 

Lecturer,   Grand — (See  Grand  Lecturer.) 

Lectures — From  whom  not  to  be  received 9 

Degrees  without  are  incomplete 21 

Grand  Lodge  requires  to  be  given 21 

Legal  Rights — Not  province  of  Masonry  to  adjust. .252,    627 

Letters — (See  Offenses.) 

Life  Membership — Plan  of  might  be   accomplished 348 

Contract  of,  Lodge  can  not  rescind 463 

Effect  of  restoration  of  one  who  holds 645 

Life  member  is   subject  to  extraordinary  expense 660 

Status  of  holder  of  when  Lodge   ceases   to  exist 843 

Life   member  of  a  Lodge   that   consolidates   is   a   life 

member  of  new  Lodge 896 

Heretofore  established  are  contracts 941 

As  now  established.      (See  By-Laws) 978 

Limitation — None  relative  to   dues  or   duties 395 

None  in  case  of  unmasonic  conduct 524 

Lodge  Rooms — Should  not  be  on  ground  floor 804 

Lodges — From  whom  may  receive  lectures 9 

Establishment   of   restricted  to   what 18 

Must  not  infringe  jurisdiction  of  other  Lodges 

20,    27,    35,   7-4,      81 

Under  dispensation  not  entitled  to  representation 29 

Can  not  suspend  members  for  definite  time 30 

Who  can  preside  \n 70 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  579 


Lodges — Continued.  Sec. 

Who  can  confer  degrees  in 70,    708 

When  may  demand  fee  from  another  Lodge 35,    398 

Has  no  power  to  levy  assessments . 39 

(an    not    admit    an    applicant    for    affiliation    without 

(limit.      (See   Sec.   976) 40 

Seven  members  required  as  a  quorum 42 

.May   confer  degrees  with  fewer  than  seven  members     42 

Must  not  take  liberties  with  the  law 43 

Requisite  for  a  charter  for 48 

Master  or  one   Warden  must  be   present   at   meeting 

of  70,    708 

Part  of  opening  or  closing  ceremony  may  be  omitted..      71 

May  try  a  Mason  under  suspension 72 

Can  not  try  a  Mason  suspended  by  themselves,  when      73 
Has  not  the  right  to  make  Masons  of  those  outside 

the  jurisdiction  74 

Should    aid    widows    and    orphans    of    worthy    non- 
affiliates   75 

May  remit  dues  of  member  to  restore  him 76,    276 

Has  right  of  exclusive  jurisdiction 81 

Should  know  extent  of  jurisdiction 81 

May  release  a  member  from  dues  and  duties 82 

Are*  not   the   places   for   settlement   of   business    diffi- 
culties  90,   96,    100,   424,   627,    632 

Can  not  reinstate  by  vote  one  who  withdraws 91 

Any  officer  of  may  withdraw 92 

Can  not  get  rid  of  members  on  trifling  charges 94 

Duty  of  when  applying  for  restoration  of  a  member..     98 

When  has  power  to  restore  a  member 103 

Must  not  suffer  members  to  want  for  necessaries 

106,    407,   408 

When  can  not  appear  in  Masonic  clothing 114,    169 

Extent  of  jurisdiction  of 130 

No  action  of  required  to  suspend  non-affiliate 136 

May  confer  degrees  by  request  of  other  Lodges 162 

When  conferring  degrees  is  act  of  requesting  Lodge..   163 

Effect  of  granting  permission  to  receive  petition 163 

Only  discretion  of  in  reference  to  payment  of  dues....   166 

Power  of  relative  to  suicides 170 

When  are  entitled  to  fees  in  advancement 173 

Can  not  impose  fines 192 

Relative    to    petition    wrongly    received    by    another 

Lodge  : 204 

May  not  lightly  condone  an  offense 212 

Can  not  receive  petition   of  one  unable  to  read  and 

write     213 

Can  not  have  intercourse  with  ''Negro  Masons" 215 

Ought  to  give  certificate  to  withdrawing  member 220 

When  non-affiliate  may  petition  for  new 223,    399 

Jurisdiction  of  in  case  of  removal 247 

Should  give  opinion  on  petition  for  restoration 250 

When  must  not  recommend  restoration 251 


580  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Lodges — Continued.  Sec. 

Must  care  for  its  own  needy  members 255 

Is  not  responsible  for  acts  of  Commissioners 266 

Should  control  its  own  funds 232 

Effect  of  failure  to  hold  election  at  proper  time 283 

Should  not  suspend  member  without  just  cause 

305,    333 

Can  not  try  its  Master 355 

May  subscribe  for  stock  in  Masonic  Hall  Association  363 

Duty  of  in  reference  to  warrants  on  its  treasury 364 

Can  not  receive  petition  of  one  who  has  been  a  con- 
vict    371 

When  only  may  appear  at  funerals 386 

Must  not  elect  Master  intemperate  in  habits 391 

May  hear  charges  against  whom 397 

Place  of  in  the  conduct  of  ceremonies 404,   705 

Has  control  over  its  own  initiates 414 

Has  the  right  to  dispose  of  real  estate 426 

May  wait  for  determination  of  charges  in  a  Court....  433 

Must  exact  the  payment  of  dues 434 

Must  not  issue  begging  circulars 436 

Should    not    permit    other    bodies    to    participate    in 

funeral   service   444 

May  refuse  to  pay  funeral  expenses 445 

Must  have  recommendation  when   changing  place   of 

meeting    452 

Has  no  jurisdiction  over  profanes 453 

Can  not  rescind  contract  of  life  membership 463 

Can   not   be   opened   in   the   absence    of   Master   and 

Wardens  465,   708 

Must  satisfy  itself  of  moral  fitness  of  candidate 472 

Must  hold  its  meetings  in  its  own  hall 482 

Must    care    for    widows    and    orphans    of    deceased 

brethren   483,   738 

Can  not  incorporate  under  State  laws 489 

May  hold  stock  in  incorporated  company 490 

Must  not  receive  application  for  affiliation,  when 498 

Can  not  set  aside  authority  of  Inspector 502 

Penalty  for  failure  to  install  Master  qualified 503 

Should  bear  expense  of  trial  of  non-affiliate 504 

When  Lodge  is  complainant  it  has  control 511 

May   buy,   hold,    sell,    and  manage  property   through 

Trustees  512 

Should   not    divert    funds    from   purposes    of   charity 

519,    607 

Should  notice  objections  stated  by  another  Lodge 533 

Can  not  confer  degrees  on  Sunday 537 

Removal  of  widow  does  not  relieve  Lodge  of  her  care  538 
May  elect  any  member  qualified  as  a  Commissioner....   544 

When  can  grant  dimit  to  member 545 

Must  be  opened  in  its  Lodge-room 555 

Must   return   fees    to    candidate   rejected   for   second 

and    third    degrees 568 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  581 


Lodges — Continued.  Sec. 

When    formed    by    consolidation    is    responsible    for 

debts  of  old  Lodges 570 

How  it  acquires  jurisdiction  of  offense 575 

Can  not   receive   petition,   within   twelve   months,   of 
party  rejected  after  surrender  of  jurisdiction........   598 

Can  not  surrender  jurisdiction  and  grant  permission 
to  a  rejected  candidate  to  apply  to  another  Lodge..   602 

May  receive  what  petitions 606 

Can   alone    exercise    discretionary   power   relative    to 
the  burial   of  Masons  suspended  for  non-payment 

of  dues  608 

Should  return  moneys  advanced,  if  able 611 

Is  responsible  for  acts  of  its  officers 615 

Can  not  use  funds  to  pay  funeral  expenses  of  Masons 

suspended  for  non-payment  of   dues 621 

Can  not  use  funds  for  charity  outside  of  fraternity..-   622 

What  records  of  should  show 633 

Can  not  avoid  payment  of  debts  by  consolidation 636 

When  it  should  cease  to  exist 642 

Begin  to  exist  at  date  of  dispensation 948 

Can  not  suspend  incompetent  brother 950 

Can  not  receive  petition  of  person  under  indictment..  951 

Can  not  bury  non-affiliate  when 967 

Under    dispensation     same    rules    govern     as    when 

chartered   952 

Can  not  restore  member  suspended  by  another  Lodge 

to  which  case  had  been  transferred 961 

In  certain  cases  Grand  Master  may  grant  dispensa- 
tion without  recommendation  of  nearest  Lodge 980 

Majority — Will  of  is  law 317 

Of  Commissioners  is  sufficient  at  trials 479 

Malice — May  be  ground  for  charges 315,   617 

Masonic  Clothing — (See  Clothing,  Masonic.) 

Masonic  Communication — (See  Communication,  Masonic.) 

Masonic  Crimes — (See  Offenses.) 

Masonic  Districts — (See  Districts.) 

Masonic  Hall — Lodges  may  subscribe  for  stock  in 363* 

Masonic  Honors — (See  Burial,  Masonic.) 

Mason — Who  has  right  to  restore 58 

May  be  a  member  of  any  Lodge 62 

May  apply  for  membership  in  any  Lodge 62,     80 

In  what  jurisdiction  should  be  a  member 62 

May  apply  as  often  as  he  chooses 64 

Should  be  a  member  of  some  Lodge 66 

May  be  tried  when  under  suspension 72 

What  Lodge  should  try  a  suspended  Mason 73 

Dying  whilst  suspended  can  not  be  restored 87 

Must  not  injure  a  brother  in  good  name 143 

May  be  tried  for  acts  committed  before  initiation 212 

Whom  the  Grand  Lodge  recognizes  as 219 

When  unworthy  should  be  expelled 314 

Must  not  be  deprived  of  rights  without  cause 336,   339 


582 


INDEX    TO     DECISIONS 


Mason — Continued.  Sec. 

May  retain  his  membership  anywhere 405,  721 

Is  presumed  worthy  until  otherwise  proved 408 

Should  be  honest 626 

Mason  in  distress  is  entitled  to  relief  from  Lodge  in 
whose  jurisdiction   he   lives,    even   though   rejected 

for  membership  826 

In  good  standing  may  direct  disposal  of  his  remains..  814 

Masonry — Is  not  a  Christian  or  religious  Order 32 

Requirements  of  32 

Has  nothing  to  do  with  politics 341,  366 

Must  not  be  used  for  improper  purposes 791 

Mason  can  not  renounce  Masonry  or  resign  from  it....  889 

Master — May  admit  or  refuse  visitors 26 

When  should  not  admit  visitor 26 

Degree  of  Present  or  Past,  when  recognized 28 

Has  absolute  control  in  his  Lodge 63 

May  refuse  admission  to  any 63,  529 

May  exclude,  or  remove  a  member 63,  558 

He  or  one  Warden  must  be  present 70 

May  omit  part  of  opening  or  closing  ceremony 71 

Is  proper  person  to  judge  of  fitness  of  material 86 

May  withdraw  from  Lodge 92 

Is  chairman  of  all  Commissions 202,  264,  286,  297,  392 

Must  not  retire  until  verdict  is  found 202,  297 

When  must  declare  a  candidate  rejected 210 

Can  not  be  a  Commissioner 241 

Must  have  certificate  of  Inspector 256 

Should  bring  offenders  to  trial 263 

Re-elected,  must  have  Inspector's   certificate 383 

Should  notice  objection  offered  by  member  of  another 

Lodge  328,  533 

May  be  elected  even  if  maimed 329 

When  can  not  preside  at  trials 351,   352,  392 

May    require    attendance    of    accused    at    election    of 

Commissioners  354 

•"  May    determine    sufficiency    of   objection    to    Commis- 
sioners      354 

Can  not  be  tried  by  his  own  Lodge 355 

May  request  brethren  not  members  to  retire 359 

May  appoint  officer  pro  tempore 362 

When  may  be  custodian  of  funds 362 

Must  consider  charges  when  presented  by  any  Master 

Mason  in  standing 369 

Accused   may   object   to 384 

What  disqualifies  to  conduct  trial 384 

Inspector  does  not  examine  moral  fitness  of 390 

Should  be  a  man  of  good  repute  and  habits 391,  673 

Mode  of  procedure  when  he  can  not  preside  at  trials  392 

When  should  be  tried  and  expelled 393 

Must  suspend  delinquent 447 

Effect  of  failure  to  qualify  and  be  installed 

451,    477,    503,  661 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  583 


Master — Continued.  Sec. 

Province   of   in   trials 499 

When  office  does  not  become  vacant 507 

Can  not  select  installing  officer 528 

Should  leave  chair  when  he  engages  in"  debate 531 

Must  examine  and  approve  trial  records 534,   593 

When  can  not  be   installed 547 

May  be  a  witness 580 

Can  not  transfer  his  duties  to  the  Wardens 592,   594 

Grand  Master  may  suspend  for  failure  to  qualify 661 

Ignorance  of  law  does  not  excuse 672 

Undertakes  to  perform  duties  faithfully 672 

When  second  election  may  be  had 693 

When  not  disqualified  to  preside  at  trial 694 

Procedure  in  case  of  death  of 752 

Not  required  to  be  able  to  give  work  of  Sr.  Deacon....    783 

Not  entitled  to  pay  for  services 795 

May    be    elected    under    dispensation    after    declining 

prior    election 866 

Objection  to  does  not  prevent  installation 893 

Master,  Grand — (See  Grand  Master.) 

Master    Mason — When    petition    for    degrees    may    be 

received 689 

Material — Master  is  proper  judge  of 86 

Meetings — To    elect    Commissioners    can    not    be    adver- 
tised in  newspapers 67 

Master  or  one  Warden  must  be  present  at  all 70 

Notice  of  to  elect  Commissioners  must  be  given 225 

Of  Commissioners  should  be  at  reasonable  time 385 

Of  Lodge, where  must  be  held 482 

When  stated  meetings  convene 900 

Members  must  have  notice  of  meeting  under  dispen- 
sation      901 

Name    of    candidate    at    such    meetings    is    not    to    be 
stated    in    notice 902 

Member — Can  not  be  required  to  divulge  his  vote 4 

Can  not  be  suspended  for  a  definite  time 31 

Mason  need  not  be   of  nearest  Lodge 62 

May  be  excluded  or  removed  from  Lodge-room 63 

Has  his  rights,  which  must  be  respected 94 

Lodge    munst   not    permit    needy    to    be    a   burden    to 

other  Lodges  255 

When  only   should  be   suspended  for  non-payment  of 

dues    305 

When  one  ceases   to  be.. 396 

Is  entitled  to  relief,  if  in  good  standing 406 

Master  must  entertain  a  motion  to  relieve 409 

When  must  be  declared  suspended 447 

Can  not  be  suspended  without  notice  of  arrears 448 

Widows  and  orphans  of  are  entitled  to  relief 483,    538 

Membership — Dimit  must  accompany  application  for....     40 

Mason  may  hold  in  any  Lodge . 62 

When  ceases  in  a  Lodge 73,   91,   396 


584  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Membership — Continued.  Sec. 

There  is  nothing  that  justifies  title  of   "Honorary"  82 
Life,    plan    of    might    be    accomplished.       (See    Sec. 

978)    348 

Life,  Lodge  can  not  rescind  contract  of 463 

Grand  Lodge  can  not  restore  to 719 

Minutes — Should  be  a  history  of  the  Lodge 518 

Should   show  what 518 

Should  be  written,  how 518 

Mistakes — Second  ballot  allowed  for  correcting 5 

In  balloting,  should  be  corrected 43 

Money — Nothing  in  Constitution  to  enforce  payment  of  205 

Obtaining  by  promise  to  pay  from  particular  source  273 

Moneys — How  drawn   from  treasury 517 

Grand  Lodge  may   appropriate   for   any  worthy   pur- 
pose      666 

Received  for  rent  can  not  be  used  for  social  purposes  785 

Monitor — Grand  Lecturer  requested  to  prepare 442 

No  change  is  permitted 442 

What  adopted  for  California 474 

Morality — Of  Masonry  is  practicable 22 

Grand  Lodge  is  pledged  to  sustain 22 

Laws  relating  to  should  be  construed  strictly 88 

Moral  Law — Relative  to  violation  of 141,  500 

Name — Petitions  should  be  signed  with  full 185 

Should  be  recorded  in  full 185 

Should  not  be  printed  on  folders 824 

Should   not   be    exposed    to    public    view    on   bulletin 

boards    824 

Of  Lodge  can  not  be  changed  by  By-Laws 855 

Signed  assumed  name  debars  from  initiation 925 

Nearest  Lodge — Applicant  for  degrees  must  join 27 

Mason  need  not  be  a  member  of 62,  64,  80,  257,  422 

Needy  Members — Lodge  must  care  for  its  own 255 

"Negro  Masons" — Rule  in  regard  to  still  in  force 214 

Lodges  can  have  no  intercourse  with 215 

Negroes  made  in  regular  Lodges  may  be  admitted.... 
260,  303 

New  Lodge — When  non-affiliate  may  sign  petition  for....  223 

When  non-affiliate  may  not  sign  petition  for 399 

Petition  for  may  be  acted  on  at  once 449 

But  members  should  be  notified  of 449 

Relative   to   petitions   for 695,  737 

Relative  to  voting  on  application  to  form 835 

New  Trial — Must  be  had  when  Grand  Lodge  orders 559 

Nominations — For  officers,  there  is  nothing  forbidding..  270 

Would  tend  to   facilitate   business 270 

Would  preserve  harmony  of  Lodge 270 

Non-Affiliates — Position  of 66 

After  six  months  are  suspended 66,  697 

May  be  restored  in  what  manner 66 

Lodges  should  relieve  widows  and  orphans  of  those 

dying  in  good  standing 75 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  585 


Non-Affiliates — Continued.  Sec. 

When  may  petition  for  new  Lodge 223 

When  may  not  petition  for  new  Lodge 399 

What  Lodge  bears  expense  of  trial  of 504 

Duty  of  Lodge  to  bury  when  dying  in  good  standing..  526 
Can  not  keep  in  good  standing  by  contributing  to  a 

Lodge  in  another  State 655 

Must  apply  for  affiliation  in  this  State 697,  721 

When  not  entitled  to  benefits  or  privileges 721 

Rejection  of  application  places  in  good  standing 721 

During  six  months  may  apply  to  any  Lodge  in  this 

State  without  payment  of  six  months'   dues 721 

When   the   six  months  begin  to  run   in   case   of  non- 
affiliates  from  other  States  or  countries 721,  885 

Withdrawing   frOm   a   Lodge   in   this    State   is   out   of 

standing  in  six  months 721 

When  may  not  be  buried  by  Lodge 967 

Non-Payment  of  Dues — (See  Dues.) 

Notice — All  from  chartered  Lodges  must  have  seal 11 

All  documents  from  chartered  Lodges  must  have  seal  11 

By  advertisement  in  newspaper  is  not  due 67 

Of  arrears  for  dues  must  have  seal 125 

Of  special  meeting  to  elect  Commissioners  must  have 

seal  181 

Of  special  meeting  to  elect  Commissioners  must  state 

object  182 

Accused  must  have  notice  of  special  meeting  to  elect 

Commissioners  228 

Verbal  does  not  constitute  due 344 

How  served 55,   67,  410 

Delinquent  can  not  be  suspended  without 448 

By    whom    served    in    case    of    charges    against    the 

Secretary  782 

Objection — To  advancement.     (See  advancement.) 
To  Commissioners.     (See  Commissioners.) 

To  initiation 108,  427,  455,  969 

(See  initiation.) 
To  visitors.      (See  Visiting  Brother.) 
Obscene  Letters — (See  Offenses.) 

Offenses — Using    Masonic    emblems    to    advertise    busi- 
ness     19,    323,  497 

Gambling  and  being  connected  with  games 95,  272 

Traducing  the  character  of  a  Mason 99 

Accusing  a  brother  of  theft,  etc 99 

Endeavoring  to  obtain  property  fraudulently 99 

Depositing  ballot  in  such  way  as  to  be  seen 129 

Looking  to  see  how  another  votes 129 

Telling  how  another  votes 129 

Accusing  another  of  casting  a  black-ball 129 

Asking  another  why  he  cast  a  black-ball 129 

Asking    another    if    he    cast    a    black-ball 129 

Fraudulently  alleging  untruths  in  a  petition  for  the 

degrees   131,  196 


586  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Offenses — Continued.  Sec. 

Embezzlement 141,  254 

Violations  of  the  laws  of  the  land 141,  377 

Originating  defamatory   statements 142,  171 

Circulating   defamatory    statements 142,  171 

Intemperance 144,    296,    307,  393 

Abusive  language  to  a  brother 

156,   160,   198,  200,  201,   207,   232,   234,  431 

The  habitual  use  of  profane  language 156,  206 

Packing  a  trial-commission 172 

Divulging    the    proceedings    of    a    Lodge    to    one    not 

entitled     177 

Slandering  a  brother 179 

Writing  out  the  secret  work  of  the  Order 184 

Willfully  misrepresenting  the  transactions  of  a  Lodge  195 

Defrauding  a  brother  by  false  representations 197 

Sending  scurrilous  or  obscene  letters 199 

Declaring   that   certain   parties   should   never   become 

members  of  the  Lodge 201 

Fraud,  especially  against  a  Mason 100,   203,  308 

Drunkenness  and  profanity 206 

Swindling   a  brother.. 208,  253 

Knowingly  receiving  a  petition  from  one  who  can  not 

read  and  write 213 

Cutting  and  seriously  wounding  a  brother 233 

Immoral    conduct 240 

Secretary's    allowing   one   not    a   member   to    see    his 

books    245 

Non-Compliance  with  duty  as  a  Commissioner 246 

Suppressing  a  paper  while  acting  as  Secretary 248 

Slandering  the   character  and  impeaching  the  virtue 

of  citizens   249 

Obtaining    money     from    a    brother    by    promise    of 

payment    from    a   particular    source,    and   violating 

promise    273 

Habitual  intemperance,  and  being  a  common  drun- 
kard  296,    373,  638 

Rendering  verdict  of  acquittal  in  spite  of  proof 301 

Want  of  respect  to  Masonic  superiors.. 324 

Surreptitiously  obtaining  and  falsifying  the  record-..  357 

Striking  a   brother 376 

Neglect  to  obey   summons 432 

Refusal  to  obey  the  Master's  gavel 450,  583 

Lecturing  a  brother  for  visitation  of  affiliation  who  is 

unable  to  pass  examination 484 

To  ballot  for  and  elect  one  who,   not  being  vouched 

for,  can  not  pass  examination 492 

Neglect  of  duty  and  failure   to  pay  over  moneys  by 

the   Secretary ' 600 

Committing  rape  is  one  of  the  greatest 631 

The  writing  and  publishing  a  defamatory  letter 635 

Slander  and  the  use  of  vile  language 639 

Frequenting  a  house  of  ill-fame,  and  consorting  with 

inmates  thereof  640 


INDEX    TO     DECISIONS 


Offenses — Continued.  Sec. 
Declaration  of  disbelief  in  the  existence  of  God  is  a 

grave  offense  910 

Violations  of  regulations  of  Eastern  Star  are  not  sub- 
jects for  Masonic   inquiry 803 

Desertion  of  wife   and  child 987 

To  initiation,  may  be  made  before  election 969 

Office — Nominations  for  may  be  made 270 

Vacancy  in,  may  be  filled  by  Master 362 

Vacancy    in,    of    Treasurer,    Master    is    custodian    of 

funds    362 

No   election   can   be   held   to   fill   vacancy   in  without 

dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master 527 

Vacancy  in  office  of  the  Secretary,  Master  fills.. ..506,  872 
Extension  of  time  for  payment  of  dues  does  not  make 

member  eligible  to  office 877 

Officers — Any  one  may  withdraw  from  Lodge 92 

The  Master  may  resign  and  withdraw 174 

Old  officers  hold  until  new  are  elected 283 

When  election  for  is  unconstitutional 330 

Grand,    election    of 446 

Master  may  suspend  for  failure  to  qualify 661 

Pall-Bearers — Other    organizations    may    be    invited    to 

furnish   705 

Papers — Suppressing    of    by     Secretary    pro    tern,     an 

offense 248 

Past-Master — Degree  of,  by  whom  conferred 28 

Degree  of,   how   conferred 28 

May  be  tried  for  acts  committed  while  Master 183 

In    case    of    re-election    as    Master    need    not    be    ex- 
amined   412 

Can    not    open    Lodge    in    absence    of    Master    and 

Wardens  464 

Regulation  relative   to   degree  of  has  never  been  re- 
scinded    648 

Status  of  Past  Master  of  a  Lodge  that   consolidates 

with  another  Lodge 895 

Definition   of,    and   decisions   relative    to.       (See   Con- 
stitution,  p.   90.) 

Payment — Of  money  nothing  in  Constitution  to  enforce  205 

Pecuniary  Rights — Not  province  of  Masonry  to  adjust..  252 

Penalties — Only   ones   recognized 192 

Petitions — Are  property  of  the  Lodge 16 

Can  not  be  withdrawn.      (See  Sec.  612) 16 

Ballot  must  be  had  on 16 

For  affiliation  must  be  accompanied  by  dimit  or  cer- 
tificate      40 

Of  party  rejected  by  another  Lodge  can  not  be  imme- 
diately   received    204 

Must  have  recommendation  of  two  members 211 

Of  whom  may  be  received 217 

Of  ex-State  Prison  convict  can  not  be  received 371 

Reports  upon  must  be  in  writing 401 

Duty  of  reporting  on  can  not  be  delegated 401 


588 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Petitions — Continued.  Sec. 

When  can  not  be  received 598 

When  should  be  withdrawn 612 

For  new  Lodge.     (See  New  Lodge.) 
For  restoration.     (See  Restoration.) 

When  certain  may  be  received 689 

In  case  of  surrender  of  charter 692 

For  degrees  may   be  presented  to   any  Lodge   under 

certain  conditions  792 

When  is  a  petition  received? 891 

Can    not    be    withdrawn    when    party    removes    from 

jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge .....906,   968 

Physical  Qualifications — (See  Qualifications.) 

Plea — Of   "Guilty,"   by  whom  put  in 432 

Politics — Masonry  has  nothing  to  do  with 341,   366 

Population — What  necessary   for  new  Lodge 48 

Prerogatives — Of  Grand  Master 38 

Present  Master — Degree  of,  by  whom  conferred 28 

Degrees  of,  how  conferred 28 

Presiding  Officer.     (See  Trials.) 

Prison — Petition  of  ex-convict  of  State  can  not  be  re- 
ceived    371 

In  case  of  charges  Lodge  may  wait  until  after  trial 

by   Court   ! 433 

Proceedings — Should  not  be  made  public 147 

Of  Grand  Lodge  authority  to  subordinate  Lodge 680 

Profanity — (See  Offenses.) 

Proficiency — Requisite  for  advancement 8,      83 

Proper  Dimit — (See  Dimit.) 

Property — Lodge  may  dispose  of 426 

Lodge  may  hold  through  Trustees 512 

Provocation — No  excuse  for  personal  violence 430 

Punishment — Proper  subject  for 315,   316 

Willful  neglect  of  duty,  cause  for 334 

Qualifications — Of   applicant   for   degrees 

6,  89,  112,  153,  168,  217,  400,  428,  548,  701,    921 

Loss  of  one  eye  disqualifies 267 

What  are  proper  tests  of 303 

Belief  in  God  is  essential 662 

Committee  of  Investigation  should  inquire  realtive  to   662 

Law  of  qualification  must  be  obeyed 816,   921 

Rule    of    qualification    in    case    of    Lodge    in    another 

State  requesting  the  conferring  of  degrees 899 

Questions — Constitutional,    how    decided 57 

Quorum — Seven  members    constitute 42 

Read   and  Write — Lodge   can  not   receive   the   petition 

of  one  unable  to 213 

Initiate  unable  to,  must  learn  before  being  advanced..   331 

Real  Estate — Lodge  has  right  to  dispose  of 426 

Re-Ballot — When  can  not  be  had  by  another  Lodge 539 

What  Lodge  can  ask  dispensation  to 539 

Recognition — Of  degrees  of  Past  and  Present  Master....     28 
Of  side  degrees 36 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  589 


Recognition — Continued.  Sec. 

Of   Masons   generally 219 

None  of  any  authority  to  grant  charters 219 

None  of  degree  or  title  of  33d  degree 219 

None  except  of  first  three  degrees 219 

Recommendatory  Certificate — May  be  refused 316 

Should  not  be  refused  without  good  cause 316 

Negative  vote  can  not  be  inquired  into 316 

Reconsideration — Lodge  can  not  reconsider  the  election 

of  a  Master 325 

Records — At  what  meeting  to  be  approved 15 

Of  trial,  statement  of  accused  should  form  part  of 77 

Of  trial,  belong  to  the  secret  archives  of  Lodge 148 

Accused  should  have  access  to 148,   670 

Committee    of    Grievances    can    not    be    cognizant   of 

certain   250 

Of  trial,  Commissioners  must  sign 285 

Of  trial,  where  must  be  filed 299,   670 

Obtaining  and  falsifying  is  an  offense 357 

Of  a  Court,  are  sufficient  proof 388,   429 

Expunging  is  not  in  order 437 

Inspectors  are  authorized  to  examine 476 

Must  show  what,  in  case  of  trial 577 

Secretary    can   not    certify    to    corrections    of   unless 

present  all  the  time 590 

Of  trial,  should  be  approved  by  Master 593,   669 

Refreshments — Lodge  can  not  expend  funds  for 

304,    634,    641,    702,    774,   930 

Expenditure  for  liquors  not  allowed 774 

Beer,  wine  or  other  liquors  should  not  be   served  at 

banquets  in  Masonic  Halls.      (See  Sec.  972) 805 

Special   fund  for  can  not  be  provided  by   amending 
By-Laws  974 

Regular  Mason — Who  is  recognized  as 219 

Regulations — Certain  repealed 773 

Rejection — Is  the  right  of  every  member 315 

Habitually  rejecting,   a  cause  for  discipline 315 

Time  after  before  petition  can  be  again  received 612 

Relief — Lodge  must  not  let  member  suffer  want 106 

Moneys  advanced  for  must  be  refunded  by  Lodge 158 

Lodge  must  see  that  its  members  are  not  a  burden  to 

others  255 

When  should  not  be  withheld 406,  407,  408 

Master  may  not  refuse  motion  for 409 

Can  not  be  given  to  widows  of  E.  A.  or  P.  C.  Masons  712 

E.  A.  and  F.  C.  not  entitled  to 820 

Mason's  daughter  whose  husband  has  deserted  her  is 
entitled  to  887 

Religious  Opinions — Masonry  not  a  religious  institution     32 

Lodge  has  nothing  to  do  with 366 

Discussion  on  is  not  allowable 366 

Relinquishment — Of  jurisdiction,  permission  to  another 

Lodge  to  confer  the  degrees  is 163 


590  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Relinquishment — Continued.  Sec. 

Which  Lodge  is  entitled  to  the  fees 173 

Lodge  may  surrender  right  to  fees 398 

When  Lodge  can  not  surrender  jurisdiction 453 

Removal   of   Lodge — When   no   action   but    that   of   the 

Lodge  is  required 115 

From  one  town  to  another,  action  necessary 452 

Reports  of  Grand  Officers — There  is  nothing  directing 

what  they  shall  contain 269 

Reports  of  Committees — (See  Committee  of  Investiga- 
tion.) 
Subjects  of  investigation  may  be  re-referred 752 

Representation — Lodge  U.  D.  has  none  in  Grand  Lodge     29 

Representatives — Pay  or,  how  determined 846 

Reprimand — Appeal   stays   sentence   of 

69,  493,   551,   554,    716 

Transcript  not  needed  in  case  of 716 

Suspended  brother  incurring  should  be  expelled 326 

Residence — Temporary    is    same    under    this    as    under 

other   jurisdictions 46 

Not    necessary    for    Mason    to    be    member    of   Lodge 

nearest  his 62,      80 

Carries  with  it  jurisdiction 73 

In  case  of  charges 410 

For  one  year,  when  not  necessary 454 

Depends   largely   upon   intention 456,    656,    675,    676 

In  the  domicile,  home,  or  place,  etc 599 

Must  be  for  six  months  in  the  Lodge  jurisdiction 606 

Must  be  for  one  year  in  the  State 606 

Resignation — The  Master,  or  any  officer,  may  tender.... 

92,   174,    176 

Upon  that  of  Master,  Senior  Warden  signs  certificate   176 

Respect — Want  of  to  Masonic  superiors,  is  an  offense....   324 
Resolutions  of  966 

Restoration — Right  of,  in  whom  vested 58,    103 

Lodge  may  remit  dues  to  restore  member 76,   276 

When  not  possible 87 

Notice  of  meeting  to  consider  that  of  expelled  Mason 

must  be  given 98 

Records  must  show  that  notice  of  meeting  was  given     98 

In  case  of  non-payment  of  dues 104 

Reversal  of  judgment  by  Grand  Lodge  restores.... 110,    521 

Method  of  procedure  in  case  of  suspended  Mason 118 

When  notice  of  application  for  must  be  given 

146,   147,    671 

What  Lodge  must  consider  petition  for 250,   322,   609 

Lodge    must    not    recommend    merely    to    get    rid    of 

applicant    251 

When  dues  paid  after  death  of  brother  may  restore..   381 

Effect  of  when  granted  by  Grand  Lodge 496,    849 

Tender  of  dues  restores  whether  received  or  not 509 

Notice  of  must  be  received  at  stated  meeting 671 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  591 


Restoration — Continued.      •  Sec. 
Relative  to   restoration   of   a    brother   under   misrepre- 
sentation        784 

Petition  for  must  be  presented  to  the  Lodge  that  con* 

ducted    the    trial 961 

How  restored   when   suspended  for  two   years 963 

Reversal — Of  judgment  by  Grand   Lodge  restores. ...110,   521 

When  new   trial  must  be  had.   on    reversal 559 

Rights  and  Privileges — Every   member  lias,  and  can  not 

be  deprived  of  without  cause 94,  336,    339 

Accused  must  be  informed  of  on  trial 239 

('barges  preferred  do  not  deprive  of 619 

Ritual — Who   may   perform 31 

What   constitutes  the,   in   California 474 

Can  not  be  reduced  to  cipher 813 

Roll — Dropping  from  no  longer  in  force 83    (Note.) 

Royal    Arch    Chapter — Suspension    or    expulsion    from 

does   not   affect    standing.. 23 

Sitting  in  with  brother  entitles  to  vouch 302,   940,    985 

Rules  and  Regulations — Remain  in  force  until  reported 

by  Grand  Lodge 214 

Sabbath  Day — (See  Sunday). 

Saloon — Lodge  should  not  rent  their  building  for 664 

Scottish  Rite — Has  no  control  of  first  three  degrees 261 

Seal  of  Lodge — Must  be  attached  to  all  notices 11 

Transcript  of  trial  records  must  have 231 

Second  Ballot — (See  Ballot). 

Secrecy — Master   may    enjoin 530 

Effect  of  violation  of  injunction 530 

Secretary— Must    not    permit    parties    not    members    to 

inspect  his  books 245 

Must  pay  over  funds  as  fast  as  received 382 

Incompetent  should  resign,   or  be  displaced 416 

When  might  refuse  to  receive  dues 434,   509 

Relative  to  inspection  of  his  books 458 

Vacancy  in  office  of  filled  by  Master 506,    872 

Duty  in  reference  to  keeping  records •. 565 

When  can  not  certify  to  record  of  trial 590 

When  should  be  suspended 600 

When  accuser,   can  not  act  as  Sec.  of  Trial  Commis- 
sion   ; 685 

Can  not  charge  for  serving  summons,  etc 743 

LTnder  charges  must  act  in  official  capacity  until  Com- 
mission is  elected 782 

On  death  of  Secretary  soon  after  installation,  dispen- 
sation to  elect  successor  should  be  obtained 734 

Secrets — A  Mason  can  not  be  punished  for  concealing 

those  of  a  brother 178 

Senior  Warden — Can  not  preside  at  trials 392 

May  call  a  Past  Master  to  preside  in  Lodge 616 

Sentence — Vote  on  must  be  by  ballot , 60 

Short-hand — Testimony  can  not  be  taken  in 495,   842 

(See  Regulation  21.) 


592  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 

Sec. 

"Side  Degrees" — Form  no  part  *>f  Masonry 36 

Conferring  of  in  Masonic  Lodges  discountenanced....  36 

Slander — (See  Offenses). 

Societies,  Other — (See  Ceremonials  and  Funerals). 

Sojourning  Brother — Is  entitled  to  burial — 68 

Repayment  of  expenses  can  scarcely  be  demanded 68 

Specifications — Vote  must  be  had  on 278 

Must  not  be  general 588 

Standing — Good  in  one  Lodge  is  good  in  all 62 

State — Construction    of   term 457,  569 

Stated  Meeting — Ballot  for  degrees  must  be  had  at 15 

Records  must  be  approved  at , 15 

Statement — Accused  has  right  to  make 77 

Weight  to  be  given  to 77 

Should  form  part  of  record 77 

St.  John's  Day — Election  on  not  constitutional 330 

Stock — Lodges  may  subscribe  for 363,  490 

Subordinate  Lodge — (See  Lodge). 

Suicides — Burial    of 93,    170,  193 

Families  of  entitled  to  aid  and  protection 486 

Summons — Face  of  need  not  show  order  of  Master 41 

Secretary  acts  under  orders  of  Master  relative  to 41 

Master  may  issue,  when 49 

May  be  issued  without  order  of  Lodge 49 

Must  be  obeyed  without   question 49 

What  is  not  proper  service  of 56,   682,  686 

Prerogative  of  Master  to  issue 226 

Disobedience  of  subjects  to  punishment 244 

When  trial  may  be  had  without  service  of 290,  410 

Reading  of  to  the  accused  is  not  sufficient 682 

Must  be  issued  in  duplicate 682 

Time  allowed  in 686 

When  service  is  complete 837 

How  served 838 

Rule    reference    to    time    is    general,    and    applies    to 

cases    transferred 739 

May  be  issued  to  compel  attendance  at  funerals 957 

Sunday — Work  not  allowed  on 462,  537 

Non-observance   of  is  not   good  reason   for  rejection 

of  applicant  807 

Superiors,  Masonic — Should  be  respected 324 

Suspended  Mason — Who  may  restore 58 

When  may  restore  himself 65,  395 

When  may  be  tried  without  restoration 72 

What  Lodge  should  try  a 73 

Course  to  pursue  in  case  of  trial  of 73 

Dying  whilst  under  suspension  can  not  be  restored—. 

87,  514 

May  be  reprimanded 510 

Incurring  reprimand  should  be  expelled 326 

Status  of  when  restored  by  Grand  Lodge 496 

Procedure  of  in  case  of  death  of  certain 620 


INDEX    TO    DECISIONS  593 


Suspended  Mason — Continued.  Sec. 

Suspended   Mason   can   not   petition   for   the   degrees 

under  a  new  name 781 

A  member  not  declared  suspended  is  still  a  member 
of  his  Lodge 875 

Suspension — From  R.  A.  Chapter  does  not  affect  stand- 
ing        23 

Must  be  for  indefinite  time 31 

Must  be  how  recorded 31 

For  non-payment  of  dues  is  absolute 65 

For  non-payment  of  dues,  disabilities  of 65 

For   non-payment    of    dues    and   unmasonic    conduct, 

difference  between   65 

Mason  dying  under  can  not  be  restored 87,   514 

When  Lodge  should  not  permit 305 

Duty  of  Lodge  before  permitting 305,   335 

When  judgment  of  is  void 340 

Effect  of  by  Grand  Lodge 496 

Reversal  of  judgment  of  restores 521 

Member  in  Masonic  Home  not  subject  to 911 

Incompetent  brother  free  from 950 

Swindling — (See  Offenses). 

Technicalities — Can  avail  nothing 309 

Can  not  stay  judgment 309 

Temperance — One  of  the  cardinal  virtues 271 

Neglect  of  is  a  Masonic  crime 271 

Testimony — Who  judge  the  truth  of 50 

Proper  rule  for  taking 52,   687 

By  whom  is  construction  of  to  be  given ...52,   668,   688 

Hearsay  can  not  be  admitted 155,   287,    312,   387,   389 

Must  be  given  in  full 236,   356,   668,   687 

Opportunity  must  be  given  to  produce 310,   320 

Transcript  of  Court  records  is  sufficient 388,   429 

Master  has  no  right  to  exclude  any 839 

Tests — Of  worthiness,  what  are  the  only  proper 303 

Thirty-third  Degree — Is  not  recognized 219 

Titles — What   not   recognized 219 

Transactions — Of  Lodge,  revealing  is  an  offense 177,   195 

The  minutes  should  be  a  complete  record  of 518 

Transcript — Written  evidence  must  appear  in 209 

Must  be  signed  by  Commissioners 230 

Must  have  seal  of  Lodge 231 

Must  show  that  special  meeting  was  called 235 

Must    show    at    what    meeting    Commissioners    were 

elected 235 

Must  show  how  witnesses  testified 237 

Must  show  that  the  Master  presided 291 

Must  show  that  the  accused  was  summoned 291 

Must  show  whether  accused  appeared  at  trial 291 

What  a  transcript  is 299,   670 

Must  be  examined  and  approved  by  Master 534 

Must  be  sent  to  Grand  Secretary 670 

No  need  in  case  of  reprimand 716 


594  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 

Sec. 
Transfer  of  Trial — (]   »e  Trial). 

Treasurer — Vacancy  m  office  of,  how  filled 362,  527 

Master  is  custodial of,  funds,   during  vacancy 362 

When  warrants  can  not  be  drawn  upon 364 

Warrants  on  should  be  noted  in  the  minutes 517 

Election  to  fill  vacancy  in  office  of  requires  a  dispen- 
sation     527 

Trial — Nothing  in  Masonry  to  prevent  second 37 

Acquittal  is  no  bar  to  second 51 

Majority  of  Commissioners  may  proceed  with 59 

Where  trial  of  suspended  Mason  must  be  held 73 

Records  of  belong  to  the  secret  archives 148 

When  must  proceed  ex  parte 188,   410,   432,  686 

The  Master  must  preside  at 286,    297,  595 

Can  not  be  had  without  service  of  summons,  when....  290 

May   be    transferred  by   the    Grand   Master 

352,    574,    596,  597 

The    accuser  has   the   right   to   be   present   at,    to   the 

conclusion    379 

Should  not  be  conducted  at  unreasonable  hours 385 

The  Senior  Warden  can  not  preside  at 392 

Mode  of  procedure  when  Master  can  not  preside 392 

When  adjournment  of  should  be  granted 394 

Must  be  had  when  charges  are  preferred 423,  559 

Is  strictly  a  criminal  proceeding 432,  686 

May  be  deferred  until  after  trial  by  Court 433 

May  be  adjourned  for  more  than  ten  days 478 

Laws  regulating  do  not  provide  for  vacancies 480 

In    case    of    non-affiliate    the    Lodge    preferring    the 

charges  must  bear  the  expense 504 

Second  trial  can  not  be  had  on  reversal  of  judgment 

by  the  Grand  Lodge 532 

Certain  things   essential   at 686 

When  may  be  re-transferred 690 

When  Master  is  not  disqualified  to  preside  at 694 

Result  of  trial  when  announced  in  Lodge  in  case  of 

reprimand    908 

When  sentence  is  carried  into  effect 908 

Duty  of  Master  relative  to 841 

What  record  of  must  show 840 

When  Master  should  not  preside  at 744,  913 

By  ordering  the  J.  W.  to  prefer  charges,   the  Lodge 

does    not    always    render    itself    disqualified    to    by 

the  case   982 

Trustee — A  Lodge  may  appoint 512,  859 

A  Lodge  may  buy,   hold  and  sell  property  by  means 

of   512 

Trustees  not  responsible  in  certain  case 779 

Tyler — Is  entitled  to  debate  and  vote  on  questions 780 

Unaffiliated  Mason — (See  Non-Affiliated  Mason). 

Unfavorable  Ballot — (See  Ballot). 

Unmasonic    Conduct — Master   may    refuse    to    recognize 

certain  charge  of 520 


INDEX    TO    DECISION*  595 


Unmasonic  Conduct — Continued.  Bee. 

No  Statute  of  Limitations  relative  524 
Vacancy  in  Office — May  be  tilled  b       Lafcter 

In  office  of  Treasurer,   relative  to 

In    office   Of    Secretary,    relative    u>.       (See    Sec.    782)  506 

Verbal  Notice — Is  not   due   notification 844 

Verbal   Report — On   candidate,    not    prdper.      I  Se. 

981)    401 

Verdict — When  but  one  can   he  reached 265 

In    what    manner   should    he    rendered          278 

Rendering  certain  may  lie  ground   for  charges :;<»i 

Requires  a  majority  vote  of  Commissioners 535 

Visit — Right  of  is  not  absolute 26,  1  »9 

Every   Mason  is  entitled  to  ask  the  favor  of 20 

Lodges  may  concede  or  refuse   the   right 26 

Master  may  admit  or  reject         26 

Colored  Mason  is   entitled    to. 803 

By    Inspector,  relative   to 443 

Visiting  Brother — When  Master  should  not  admit  26 

No  Lodge  should  refuse   without  reason.. 26,  958 

Must  satisfy  himself  that    the    Lodge   is  a    regular  one  34 

Master  is  proper  person  to  decide  objection  to.. ..358,  625 

When  may  be  requested  to  retire 359 

Failing  on  examination,  must  not  be  lectured 484 

Master  may  admit  or  exclude 529 

Master  may  require  reason    for  objection   to 529 

Name  of  objector  should  not  be  made  known... 623 

Should  be  notified  of  objection   privately... 624 

Objection   to   is   a  private   matter.. 625 

Master  should  require  reason   for  objection  to 654 

Must  prove  himself  to  be  a  Mason 69S 

Must  he  in  good  standing 763 

Master  has  right  to  refuse  in  absence  of  documentary 

evidence    of    standing [.  926 

Vote — No  member  can  be  required  to  divulge (     4 

Reasons  for  can  not  be  required 4 

Master  decides  tie  on 47 

In  case  of  tie  Master  has  two 47 

Upon  findings  must  be  by  ballot. 60 

Upon  sentence  must  be  by  ballot... 60 

Member  withdrawing  can   not   be  restored  by 9  1 

On   admission   can  not   be    inquired  into 259 

Manner  of  taking 552 

Those    not    voting    assent    to    motion 565,  566 

Master  not  entitled  to  casting  vote  in  case  of  election 

of  officers   650 

Lodge  may  instruct   Master  or  Representative  relative 

to  voting  in    Grand   Lodge 754 

Vouching — Sifting    in    R.    A.    Chapter    with    a    brother 

entitles   to.      (See   Sec.   985) 302 

Private  examination   does   not   entitle  to 139 

Wardens — Master  need  not  have  served  as.. :):\ 

Can  not   pass  upon  charges 594 


596  INDEX    TO    DECISIONS 


Wardens — Continued.  Sec. 

Can  not  preside  at  trials 595 

May  call  Past  Master  to  preside 616 

Master  may  suspend  for  failure  to  qualify 661 

Widow  and  Orphans — Lodges  should  contribute  to  those 

of  brother  dying  in  their  midst 75 

Have  claim  on  Lodge  for  relief 483 

Removal  from  jurisdiction  does  not  destroy  claims....   538 
Lodge  not  required  to   contribute  to  relief  of  widow 

of  Mason  whose  dimit  has  expired 776 

Widow  of  Mason  whose   Lodge   is   defunct   is   charge 

on  Lodge   in  whose  jurisdiction   she   lives 808 

Not  entitled  to  relief  if  able  to  support  herself 823 

Is  entitled  to  aid  so  long  as  she  remains  a  widow 847 

Is  entitled  to  relief   from  father's  Lodge  if  husband 
died   out   of   standing 962 

Withdrawal — How  accomplished  91 

Member  withdrawing  can  not  be  reinstated  by  vote....      91 

Any  officer  may  withdraw 92 

Form  of  certificate  without  recommendation 220 

Form    of    certificate    with    or    without    recommenda- 
tion  is  a   dimit 370 

Of  charges,  when  may  be  made 469 

Party   under   charges   may   withdraw 862 

Witness — Who  judge  credibility   of 50 

Can  not  be  a  Commissioner 229,   402,   403 

Testimony  of  must  be  given  in  full 236 

Master  Mason  must  testify  on  his  honor  as  such 237 

Master  of  Lodge  may  be 580 

Work — Who  can  not  be  invited  to  perform 332 

Wounding — (See  Offenses). 


AMENDMENTS    AND    DECISIONS,     1908 

The  following  Amendments,  Eesolutions,  and 
Decisions  were  made  and  approved  at  the  Annual 
Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  October,  1908: 

AMENDMENTS     TO     THE     CONSTITUTION 

Section  1  of  Article  IV  of  Part  VI  amended  by 
ndding  the  following: 

"Such  charges  shall  never  be  presented  to  the 
Master  of  a  Lodge  under  dispensation  if  there  is  a 
chartered  Lodge  having  concurrent  jurisdiction 
over  the  same  territory,  except  where  the  accused 
is  a  member  of  such  Lodge,  or  under  or  within  its 
jurisdiction,  and  no  chartered  Lodge  has  concur- 
rent jurisdiction  over  the  same  territory,  they  may 
be  presented.  When  the  Lodge,  to  the  Master  of 
which  such  charges  are  presented,  is  a  Lodge  under 
dispensation,  such  Master  shall  at  once  transmit 
the  same  to  the  Grand  Master,  who  shall  thereupon, 
if  it  shall  appear  to  him  that  the  act  or  acts  com- 
plained of  therein  constitute  a  Masonic  offense, 
designate  some  chartered  Lodge  to  try  the  same, 
and  transmit  such  charges  to  the  Master  thereof, 
who  shall  thereupon  proceed  therewith  in  the  same 
manner  as  if  the  charges  had  originally  been  pre- 
sented to  him. 

Subdivision  5  of  Section  1  of  Article  IV  of  Part 
II,  is  amended  to  read  as  follows: 

5th.  To  report  at  each  Annual  Communication, 
a  detailed  account  of  all  moneys  received  by  him 
during  the  year,  with  a  specific  statement  of  the 
sources  whence  they  were  derived,  presenting  there- 
with the  receipt  of  the  Grand  Treasurer  therefor; 
and  also  a  detailed  and  itemized  statement  of  the 
disbursements  of  the  Grand  Lodge  during  the  year. 


AMENDMENTS    AND    DECISIONS,     1908 

sonic  conduct,  and  sentenced  him  to  receive  a 
reprimand.  In  this  view  of  the  matter,  it  is  easy 
to  see  what  parties,  if  any,  are  deserving  of  a  repri- 
mand. It  ought  to  be  clear  by  this  time  to  all  Ma- 
sons that  unmasonic  conduct  is  not  a  Masonic 
offense  upon  the  finding  of  which  sentence  may  be 
imposed.  Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  112. 

Sec.  991.  The  fact  that  a  Brother  accused  of 
embezzlement  pleaded  not  to  be  expelled,  or  that  he 
confessed  his  errors  and  expressed  sorrow  for  his 
faults  and  asks  to  be  forgiven,  is  not  sufficient.  If 
it  were,  every  unworthy  Mason  who  has  been 
expelled  could  be  restored,  and  Masonic  punishment 
would  be   a  by-word  and   a   reproach. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  115. 

Sec.  992.  The  inability  of  an  applicant  for  affilia- 
tion to  procure  a  dimit  from  the  jurisdiction  of 
which  he  has  ceased  to  be  a  member  will  not  stand 
in  the  way  of  affiliation  where  a  satisfactory  ex- 
planation, in  writing,  of  the  inability  to  furnish  the 
same    is    made.  Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  117. 

Sec.  993.  No  one  can  be  recognized  as  a  Mason, 
and  received  by  affiliation,  unless  he  has  regularly 
been  made  a  Mason  in  some  Lodge  acting  under  a 
charter  or  dispensation  from  a  Grand  Lodge  recog- 
nized by  us  as  possessing  proper  Masonic  standing 
and  authority  to  grant  such  charter  or  dispensa- 
tion. Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  117. 

Sec.  994.  The  action  of  a  Grand  Master  in  desig- 
nating other  Lodges  for  the  trial  of  cases  when  it  is 
made  to  appear  that  the  Master  of  the  Lodge  where 
the  charges  were  pending,  or  the  Lodge  itself,  was 
disqualified  to  conduct  a  trial,  or  when  the  con- 
venience of  witnesses  makes  such  a  change  exped- 
ient,  is   in   accord   with   our   law. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  117. 


AM  KXDMKNTS    AND    DECISIONS,     1908 

Sec.  995.  We  find  no  authority  in  our  Constitu- 
tion or  Regulations  for  the  designation  of  a  Master 
to  preside  at  a  trial  in  any  other  Lodge  than  his 
own,  and  consider  it  the  better  and  safer  course 
under  our  laws  as  they  now  exist,  to  transfer  the 
ease  to  another  Lodge  for  trial,  whenever  the 
Master  is  disqualified,  for  any  reason,  to  preside. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  118. 

Sec.  996.  Any  Lodge  in  tlie  City  and  County  of 
S.i  n  Francisco  has  jurisdiction  to  entertain  and  to 
try  charges  of  unmasonic  conduct  against  a  Mason 
residing  in  said  City  and  County,  but  who  is  a 
member  of  a  Lodge  outside  thereof.  (This  decision 
would  be  applicable  in  any  city  or  city  and  county 
in  which  there  are  Lodges  having  concurrent  juris- 
diction.—J.   W.   A.)  Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  118. 

Sec.  997.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  Scotland  has  es- 
tablished what  it  calls  a  District  Grand  Lodge  in 
the  Hawaiian  Islands,  solely  for  the  purpose  of 
supervising  the  Lodges  existing  therein  under 
charter  from  such  Grand  Lodge.  Until  a  Grand 
Lodge  for  that  Territory  is  regularly  organized,  any 
Grand  Lodge  having  chartered  Lodges,  or  Lodges 
under  dispensation  therein,  has  the  right  to  govern 
such  Lodges  in  such  manner  as  it  sees  fit. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  119. 

Sec.  998.  Under  the  proviso  of  Sec.  8,  Art.  V, 
Part  VI  of  the  Constitution,  a  non-affiliated  Mason, 
who  has  neglected  to  apply  for  affiliation  for  a 
period  of  more  than  two  years,  can  be  restored  to 
Masonic  rights  only  by  election  to  membership  in 
some  Lodge.  Until  so  restored  by  election,  he  can- 
not visit  a  Lodge.  But  the  mere  fact  that  the 
non-affiliate's  dimit  is  more  than  two  years  old  does 
not  bring  him  within  the  operation  of  the  proviso. 


AMENDMENTS    AND    DECISIONS,     1908 

If  he  has  not  allowed  two  years  to  elapse  without 
application  for  affiliation,  accompanied  by  payment 
of  six  months7  dues  and  affiliation  fee,  he  may  place 
himself  in  standing  by  the  mere  making  on  an 
application  and  the  payment  of  six  months'  dues' 
and  affiliation  fee,  even  though  his  application  be 
rejected.     This  is  well-settled  law. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  pp.  37,  119. 
Sec.  999.  Where  the  record  of  a  Trial  Commission 
shows  that  the  Commission  met  regularly,  heard  and 
weighed  the  evidence  and  rendered  their  judgment, 
that  the  record  was  properly  prepared  by  the  Secre- 
tary, and  approved  by  the  Commissioners  as  cor-, 
rect,  the  signatures  of  the  members  of  the  Commis- 
sion would  verify  the  record  even  though  made  by 
them    individually    after    adjournment. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  pp.  37,  119. 
Sec.  1000.  The  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
does  not  provide  for  a  Lodge  to  hold  a  session  at 
any  place,  except  in  their  Lodge-room;  nor  does  the 
by-laws  of  Subordinate  Lodges  do  so.  An  out-door 
session  is  dangerous  and  unnecessary. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  pp.  37, 119. 
Sec.  1001.  In  the  Jurisdiction  of  California  a 
man  becomes  a  member  of  the  Lodge  after  he  has 
received  the  full  ceremony  of  the  Third  Degree, 
or  after  election,  by  affiliation.  (This  decision  is  the 
law;  but  the  compiler  desires  to  enter  his  dissent: 
Prior  to  the  revision  of  the  Ritual,  the  signing  of 
the  by-laws  was,  we  think,  properly,  regarded  as  a 
requisite.— J.  W.  A.)  Vol.  XXVIII,  pp.  38,  119. 

Sec.  1002.  The  daughter  of  a  Mason  does  not 
forfeit  her  rights  to  be  treated  as  such  merely  be- 
cause she  has  married  a  man  who  is  not  a  Mason. 
She  is  still  the  daughter  of  a  Master  Mason.     The 


AMENDMENTS    AND     DECISIONS,     L908 

Lodge  of  which  her  father  was  a  member  may  very 
properly  grant  her  the  necessary  assistance  to  such 
an  extend  .-is  may  be  reasonably  sufficient  to  cover 
her  individual  needs.     The  relief  extended,  however, 

should  be  limited  to  what  is  necessary  for  her  alone, 
and  must  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Lodge  and 
its   officers.  Vol.  XXVIII,  pp.  38, 119, 

Sec.  1003.  The  Constitution  contemplates  that  no 
judgment  of  expulsion  or  suspension  shall  become 
final  until  affirmed  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  (Sec.  10, 
Art.  IV,  Part  VI.)  While  such  a  judgment  goes 
into  effect  at  once  (Sec.  9  of  same  Article),  the 
effect  of  a  reversal  by  the  Grand  Lodge  is  to  re- 
store the  accused  to  all  his  rights  and  privileges  as 
a  member  of  the  Lodge.  (Sec.  2,  Art.  V,  Part  VI.) 
[f  in  the  meantime  the  accused  has  died,  there  can 
be  no  doubt  that  he  should  be  considered  as  being 
in  good  standing  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  pp.  38,  119. 

Sec.  1004.  The  Tyler  of  a  Lodge  need  not  neces- 
sarily be  a  member  of  the  Lodge  to  which  he  acts 
as  Tyler,  but  must  be  a  Master  Mason  in  good 
standing.  The  office  of  Tyler  being  appointive,  the 
appointment  being  made  by  the  Master,  no  objec- 
tion would  be  effective,  if  the  Master  chose  to 
appoint  a  member  of  another  Lodge. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  39. 

Sec.  1005.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  California  recog- 
nizes perpetual  jurisdiction  only  when  an  applicant 
has  been  elected  and  initiated  by  the  Lodge  to 
which  he  applied.  We  also  recognize  a  jurisdiction 
of  one  year  over  a  rejected  candidate.  When  the 
full  year  for  a  rejection  has  elapsed,  the  jurisdiction 
has  elapsed,  and  we  recognize  no  claim  or  authority 
over  a  rejected  applicant  by  reason  of  the  rejection, 


AMENDMENTS    AND    DECISIONS,     1908 

whether  claimed  by  one  of  our  own  Lodges  or  by  a 
Lodge  in  any  other  State  or  country. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  39. 

Sec.  1006.  A  regular  Masonic^  Lodge  does  not  and 
cannot  recognize  an  irregular  or  clandestine  Lodge 
of  Masons.  The  only  way  to  proceed  with  an  appli- 
cant who  has  received  one  or  more  degrees  in  an 
irregular  or  clandestine  Lodge,  is  to  take  a  petition 
for  the  degrees,  have  it  referred  to  a  proper  com- 
mittee, and  if  reported  on  favorably,  to  take  a 
ballot,  and,  if  elected,  to  confer  the  three  degrees. 
Vol.  XXVIII,  pp.  40, 119. 

Sec.  1007.  One  who  has  received  the  degrees  of 
Masonry  in  an  irregular  or  clandestine  Lodge  can 
not  be  '  *  healed. "  The  process  of  " healing' ' 
applies  only  to  those  who  have  received  the  de- 
grees of  Masonry  in  regular  Lodges.  (See  Sec.  27 
of    Decisions.)  Vol.  XXVIII,  pp.  40,  119. 

Sec.  1008.  A  communication  soliciting  contribu- 
tions from  a  Lodge  for  the  erection  of  a  monument 
to  the  memory  and  worth  of  a  brother  may  be  re- 
ceived by  a  Lodge.  But  the  Lodge  cannot  appro- 
priate any  of  its  funds  for  such  purpose.  No  Lodge 
should  expend  its  funds  for  purposes  other  than 
charity  or  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  Lodge. 

Vol.  XXVIII,  pp.  41,  119. 

Sec.  1009.  The  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  cannot  be 
amended,  in  any  manner,  to  provide  for  the  collec- 
tion of  money  for  social  purposes.  Such  an  amend- 
ment would  be  an  assessment,  which  is  not  per- 
mitted by  the  Grand  Lodge.         , 

Vol.  XXVIII,  pp.  41,  119. 


CM? 

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